Episode 19. What is the Point In Time Count?

On this week’s episode of the HOME Team Podcast, Carl Falconer and Danny Arroyo break down the Point-in-Time Count, a HUD-mandated snapshot used nationwide to better understand homelessness in our communities. They explain how the count works, who it includes, and why it’s more than just a number—it’s a critical tool for planning services, allocating funding, and engaging the community.

In Offense vs. Defense, they debate whether every community should conduct a PIT Count annually, weighing the benefits of trend analysis and community engagement against concerns about undercounting, data limitations, and resource strain.

The episode also highlights:
• Why PIT Counts often miss the “hidden homeless”
• How volunteers play a vital role—and what they should (and shouldn’t) do
• A local MVP story from Bithlo, Florida, where a cold-night shelter stepped in to save lives
• A troubling fumble involving an encampment sweep during freezing weather
• How moving people disrupts outreach, housing placements, and trust
The key takeaway: the PIT Count isn’t just about data—it’s about dignity, visibility, and making sure people experiencing homelessness know they are seen and cared for.

Email questions: ⁠⁠⁠questions@pathlighthome.org⁠⁠⁠. Support, volunteer, or tour: PathlightHOME.org

Produced by Gigi Ramirez and Jay Falconer. Music and Sound Design by Kwon.