In our ongoing mission to address homelessness, access to accurate data stands as the basis for understanding the breadth of the issue and devising impactful solutions. A crucial aspect of this is the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a mandate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HUD stipulates that Continuums of Care (CoCs) conduct a comprehensive tally of both sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This count encompasses those residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and Safe Havens.
For the Saratoga-North Country (SNC523) CoC, of which we are a member, the recent PIT Count on January 25th was a collaborative effort from various organizations and members of the community. CAPTAIN Community Human Services spearheaded the count in our region, with active involvement from organizations such as RISE, Shelters of Saratoga, Safe Options Support, Soldier On, and the Veteran and Housing Coalition, along with many volunteers. Together, we meticulously covered every city within Saratoga County to ensure a comprehensive count.
Alongside the PIT Count, CoCs are mandated to conduct a Housing Inventory Count (HIC) to catalog the available beds and units designated for individuals experiencing homelessness. This inventory classifies programs into categories such as Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Rapid Re-housing, Safe Haven, and Permanent Supportive Housing (see infographic below for more details).
The data amassed during the PIT Count and HIC are subsequently submitted to HUD through the Homelessness Data Exchange (HDX). This data serves as a pivotal tool in guiding resource allocation, shaping program development, and influencing policy decisions, both locally and nationally.
As part of SNC523, we are dedicated to harnessing this data effectively to tackle homelessness and enhance outcomes for individuals and families in distress. Through ongoing collaboration, advocacy, and active community involvement, we aim to forge lasting solutions and ensure equitable access to secure and sustainable housing.
Our heartfelt appreciation extends to all our partners, volunteers, and community members whose contributions are integral to these critical initiatives. Together, we can create meaningful change.
HUD releases the results of the annual PIT Count in October.
More about the Saratoga-North Country CoC
I’d like to know what the Saratoga County counts were.
Hi Barb,
2024 data was submitted to HUD, who then publishes the reports, typically in late fall, aligning with HUD’s end of fiscal year (9/30).
The continuum of care we belong to is Saratoga/North Country and encompasses 4 counties: Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington. Our counts are collective. You can view the reports for 2023 here: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_NY-523-2023_NY_2023.pdf
For perspective, 1,100 people were added to the Coordinated Entry (HUD mandated) list in 2023, which prioritizes people waiting for low-income or specialized housing in the four county area.