Point-in-Time (PIT) Count
Everyone Counts in the Effort to End Veteran Homelessness
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is an annual effort led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to estimate the number of Americans, including Veterans, without safe, stable housing. It is one of the tools used to assess progress each year toward VA's priority goal of ending homelessness among Veterans.
What the PIT Count Measures
The PIT Count is among the ways VA estimates the homeless population nationwide to help direct resources based on need. Here’s who performs the PIT Count and what it measures:
- The PIT Count is administered by HUD’s approximately 400 Continuums of Care (CoCs), which are local planning bodies responsible for coordinating all homelessness services in a geographic area.
- During even-numbered years, CoCs are only required to count sheltered persons (those living in emergency shelters and transitional housing), although many CoCs voluntarily collect data about unsheltered persons during those years.
- During odd-numbered years, CoCs are required to count sheltered and unsheltered persons—those living on the street or in another place not meant for human habitation.
- The January 2024 PIT Count results reflect national snapshots of homelessness through the end of 2023.
The January 2024 PIT Count
The national snapshot of Veteran homelessness showed that:
- The total number of Veterans who experienced homelessness was 32,882 – a decrease 7.5% over January 2023.
- The estimated number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in America has declined by 55.6% since 2010.
- Breaking this down further, 19,031 Veterans experienced sheltered homelessness, and 13,851 Veterans experienced unsheltered homelessness.
- Veterans who experience sheltered homelessness often live in places such as emergency shelters, transitional housing programs or other supportive settings.
- Veterans who experience unsheltered homelessness live in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings and literally on the street.
The next PIT Count will take place in January 2025.
What the PIT Count Is Used For
Here’s how the PIT Count is used:
- It generates data for the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, which describes the overall scope of homelessness in America and among several subpopulations, including Veterans.
- 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.
- It is used in conjunction with many other data points to make strategic decisions about programs for Veterans who are homeless that are administered by VA, HUD and partner organizations.
A Goal Within Reach
The goal of ending homelessness among Veterans is within reach—and in fact is already happening community by community.
Here’s what we must do to further this progress and sustain these gains:
- Maintain government investments that are supporting effective interventions to prevent homelessness among Veterans and rapidly re-house those who become homeless, much like those communities and states that have already announced an end to Veteran homelessness.
- Keep up our relentless outreach to Veterans in need.
- Collaborate with governments, employers and community-based entities to house, employ and serve Veterans exiting homelessness.
Learn more about VA’s homeless programs and get involved. If you know a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, refer him or her to a local VA Medical Center, where homeless coordinators are ready to help. Veterans and their families can also call 1-877-4AID-VET to be connected to VA services.
Make the Call
Dial 1-877-4AID-VET
(1-877-424-3838)
Access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans, available 24/7.
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VA Medical Center Now
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can call or visit their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) and ask for a Homeless Coordinator. Use the VA locator tool www.va.gov/directory to find your nearest VAMC and call or visit today.
