A "snapshot" of Homelessness in Reno County

Annual Point-in-Time Count Sheds Light on Local Homelessness Needs--Takes Full Community Support Efforts in Full Swing

Each year, local organizations come together for a critical effort to assess homelessness in our community: the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. Conducted by KSHC, the Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) and local non-profit partners, this coordinated event requires the help of volunteers to gather an accurate count of individuals experiencing homelessness from one night in the year.

The PIT Count serves as more than just a census—it provides a “snapshot” of homelessness at a specific point in time, offering vital insight into the scale and nature of homelessness in the area. This data is crucial for understanding the needs within the community and is instrumental in securing funding for housing and support services. With this information, local, state, and federal agencies are better equipped to allocate funding and implement solutions which directly address the challenges faced by the homeless population in a particular area.

This year, as part of the efforts surrounding the PIT Count, our community rallied together during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations to support homeless individuals through the "Unity Project" event. As part of the event, volunteers assembled 75 essential homeless support kits, providing much-needed items like hygiene products, socks, warm clothing, and harm reduction supplies. These kits were distributed to those in need, offering immediate relief during the cold winter months.

The PIT Count and the Unity Project highlight the ongoing commitment of local organizations and residents to support vulnerable individuals. Together, they reinforce the message that homelessness is a community issue, and it will take collective effort to provide lasting solutions.