Every year, during the last week of January, communities are federally mandated to conduct a single-night census that identifies residents experiencing homelessness, including those in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and unsheltered locations. This census is called “Point-in-Time Count.” In Marion County, this census was led by the Coalition of Homelessness Intervention & Prevention (CHIP) and conducted by outreach professionals countywide.

Since 2007, Goodwill Horizon House has partnered with CHIP and hosted the kickoff for Point-in-Time Count. During this event, outreach professionals split into teams, have dinner together and prepare for the evening ahead. This includes going over tools to conduct the census, gathering supplies for the team and loading up on gear to hand out to neighbors experiencing homelessness.

When dusk arrives, each team travels to identified locations to survey and engage with neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Point-in-Time Count offers an opportunity for outreach professionals to connect with neighbors experiencing homelessness, potentially saving lives. This year’s Point-in-Time Count was conducted during freezing temperatures; outreach professionals could hand out care kits containing supplies for cold weather, like gloves and handwarmers. Care kits also had bus passes provided by CHIP through the IndyGo Foundation. Outreach professionals helped neighbors that wanted to get into emergency shelter get to the location that could accept them.

“As always, we conduct outreach with the intention of connecting individuals with supportive services and resources that meet individualized needs,” said Lillian Herbers-Kelly, the senior director of Goodwill Horizon House. “However, Point-in-Time Count also offers crucial data that informs work across Marion County.”

The data collected from Point-in-Time Count gives insights into demographics and barriers affecting neighbors, as well as influencing strategies, funding and other resources allocated to neighbors and agencies working toward ending homelessness. Point-in-Time Count is a pivotal time for connection, data-gathering and furthering the work.

“We will utilize the results of the Point-in-Time Count to continue the work alongside our community partners,” said Lillian.

Thank you to CHIP for hosting the kickoff at Goodwill Horizon House for another year! To learn more about Goodwill Horizon House, our services and outreach, visit our website: horizonhouse.cc.