volunteer guidance unsheltered count missouri balance of state point-in-time count
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUNTEER GUIDANCEUNSHELTERED COUNT
Missouri Balance of StatePoint-in-Time Count
What is a Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count?
Definition: Count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless
persons on a single night in January
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires an annual count during odd years
Missouri Balance of State conducts one count annually each winter
Why Count?
Data collected during PIT is critical for effective planning and performance management toward the goal of ending homelessness
Counting unsheltered helps ensure that people with the highest needs are taken into account for community and state planning
Why Count?
In addition, the Point-in-Time Count:
• Provides current and accurate data on the number and characteristics of homeless individuals and families
• Provides information for policy and planning decisions at local, state, and federal levels
• Creates opportunities to connect homeless individuals and families with local resources
Benefits of Accurate Data
Communities need accurate data to:
• Make funding recommendations to elected officials
• Raise public awareness of homelessness in their communities
• Determine size and scope of homelessness in their community
• Plan for their region
Benefits of Accurate Data
HUD needs accurate data to:
• Understand the extent and nature of homelessness throughout the country
• Report to Congress on performance of programs
• Make funding decisions
• Justify funding requests to Congress
Methods for Counting Unsheltered
Simple Street Count through Observation
Street Count with Interview
Service-based Count
Simple Street Count through Observation
Easy to understand and results are easy to summarize
However, simple street counts do not provide comprehensive, in-depth information
Observation should only be used if interview is not possible or unsafe
Street Count through Face-to-face Interview
More advanced method than observation
Interviews give organizers more information about unsheltered homeless people
Ensures better data – avoids duplication and helps to differentiate people who are chronically homeless and those who are not
Service Based Count
Another method for counting is using service programs who do not provide overnight beds that may connect with homeless populations not readily accessed in public places
Examples include: school district homeless liaisonsdrop-in centersstreet outreach teamssoup kitchenswarming shelters
When Volunteers are Needed
The time period for data collection:
• Wednesday January 28,2015- evening/sunseto “Where will you sleep tonight?”
• All surveys by sunrise/mid-morning January 29,2015o “Where did you sleep last night?”
When to Count
January 28,2014
January 29,2014
The date of the count The night of the count
Methods for Counting Unsheltered
Simple Street Count through Observation
Street Count with Interview
Service-based Count
Simple Street Count through Observation
Easy to understand and results are easy to summarize
However, simple street counts do not provide comprehensive, in-depth information
Observation should only be used if interview is not possible or unsafe
Street Count through face-to-face Interview
More advanced method than observation
Interviews give organizers more information about unsheltered homeless people
Ensures better data – avoids duplication and helps to differentiate people who are chronically homeless and those who are not
Volunteer Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary with different County Leaders
Prepare for the count by:• Reviewing all forms located here:
http://www.mo-ich.org/14.html
• Verify your coverage zone• Preparing your “tool kit”• Collaborating with county leaders
Volunteer Responsibilities
Perform the count by: Assisting the County Leader with delivering
surveys to complete service based counts to programs who provide supportive services
Completing surveys with homeless individuals and families
Making sure all completed survey forms are received by the County Leader in a timely manner
Who to Count
Unsheltered Homeless Definition• “Individuals and families with a primary
nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground”
https://www.hudexchange.info/hdx/guides/pit-hic/
Other Types of Housing Situations
Doubled-Up Populations• Although persons temporarily staying with family
and friends are not reported on the Federal Count, information regarding this population is used in the Annual Report and other sources
Hotel/Motel• If the location is being paid for by someone other
than the individual, notify your County Lead of these places, as they should be counted on the Sheltered Count
Survey FormInstructions
Detailed Survey Instructions can be found at:
http://mo-ich.org/14.html
Reminders for Counting
Please stay within your comfort level
We would like for each survey to be completed as fully as possible, but understand that we cannot ask volunteers to put themselves or others in danger or an uncomfortable setting
Respect the privacy and wishes of those being surveyed• Remind them that this survey is voluntary and will not result in denial of
service• Thank everyone for their time
Explain why we are completing the survey forms• Introduce yourself and explain why we are collecting this information
Be sure to explain that the information collected is confidential
Remember, If you are out at camps, these are peoples’ homes
Safety Considerations
Always go out in teams, never go out aloneDo not push anyone to complete the surveyUse caution when approaching campsDo not physically go into a structure/tent or
abandoned buildingAnnounce yourself, and explain why you are outListen to what your body is telling you: If the
situation doesn’t feel right, don’t do it
What You Will Need
Flashlight Cell phone List of phone numbers
County Leader MHDC staff Other volunteers
Clipboard Pens Survey forms Survey Instructions Detail of what areas you will be counting Comfortable shoes Bottled water and snacks Donations and local resource sheet to hand out
Questions/Reminders
Be sure you sign a Volunteer Release Form and return it to your County Leader prior to volunteering
Please get in touch with your County Leader if you have any questions
If you need further assistance contact Alyssa Murphy at MHDC. Telephone:816-759-6636 Email: [email protected]