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Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

What is a Point-in-Time Count?

The Homeless Point-in-Time Count reflects a snapshot of Riverside County’s homeless population. Obtaining an accurate count of families, individuals and communities experiencing homelessness is critical to helping our communities attract state and federal funding and support local planning efforts to address a growing public health crisis.

Events

Emergency Shelter Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is a Homeless Point-in-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time Count is a "snapshot" of the number of homeless people in Riverside County on a specific day.

 

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When is the 2023 Count taking place?

  • General Count: Wednesday, January 25th from 5:30am - 9:30am
  • Youth Count: Wednesday, January 25th - Friday, January 27th from 2:00 to 8:00pm

 

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Why is it Important?

Collecting data on homelessness and tracking progress helps to inform public opinion, increase public awareness, and attract resources that will lead to ending homelessness.

 

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How accurate is the count?

Riverside County uses mobile technology to complete the unsheltered Homeless Point-in-Time Count. Volunteers download a mobile application and the Riverside County Survey onto their smart device and use it to interview unsheltered individuals. Mobile technology is an innovative solution to address the issue of accurately counting homeless individuals and using the data collected to conduct an analysis of the patterns and trends of the homeless population in Riverside County. 

 

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How is it conducted?

Volunteers are placed into counting teams of 3-5 individuals. The counting teams are assisted by law enforcement to ensure safety during the count. Through a coordinated effort, teams deploy from various sites to interview unhoused individuals following a map of a specific area to canvass. Every team is instructed to only count in their assigned area to avoid interviewing a person more than once.

 

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Is there special training required for volunteers?

Yes, all volunteers are required to participate in a training. Training sessions review the purpose of the homeless count, how to perform the count and how to download and use the Survey 123 app using a smartphone. Additionally, a section specifically for Youth Count volunteers covering key topics such as the definition of homeless youth, sensitivity towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQAI+) youth. The Youth Count training also covers general tips for engaging youth and mandated child abuse reporting.

 

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Are there any requirements to volunteer?

Yes, there are 5 requirements?

  1. Have a smartphone and download Survey123 application
  2. Ability to walk up to 2-hours while canvassing a neighborhood
  3. Attend an online volunteer training
  4. 18 years of age or over or if 16-17 years old be accompanied by an adult
  5. Adhere to safety precautions outlined in training

 

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Can anyone participate in the count?

Yes, anyone 16 and over is welcomed to participate and become a volunteer. Individuals ages 16 or 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult and both individuals must register as a Point-in-Time Count volunteer.

 

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Will there be COVID-19 precautions or restrictions?

Yes, the safety of our staff, volunteers and homeless population is a priority. We encourage volunteers to be vaccinated and to stay home if they feel sick prior to the day of the count.

 

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Where do I check-in on the day of the count?

Once you have participated in the volunteer training, you will be assigned to a deployment site. You will receive the time to check-in, location, and name of the Point-in-Time Count leader for your deployment site through email communication. At the deployment site, volunteers will receive instructions, be placed into a counting team, and receive their assignment of the area where they will be counting.

 

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How can I register to become a volunteer?

Becoming a volunteer is very easy and only requires you to register online by visiting 2023 More Than A Count or 2023 More Than A Count Youth websites.

 

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If I cannot participate on the day of the Count, how else can I help?

Donations in gift cards, cold weather items (gloves, beanies, socks) or travel size hygiene products provide great support to the unsheltered persons. For donations, please contact the Homeless Point-in-Time Count Coordinator at [email protected] or call the Point-in-Time Count Hotline at (951)-358-3844.

 

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What's the difference between the Youth Count and the general Count?

The Youth Point-in-Time Count occurs over a 3-day period and identifies homeless youth ages 24 and under experiencing homelessness in Riverside County. The general Point-in-Time Count is a one-day count and takes all homeless individuals into account.

 

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Where can I learn more about the Homeless Point-in-Time Count?

Visit 2023 More Than A Count or 2023 More Than A Count Youth websites and follow our social media to stay up to date.

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social media

Resources

Dial 2-1-1

24/7 hotline to speak to an advisor about housing and shelter resources. Visit the website below to search for other services.

Inland Socal 211+ Services

HomeConnect

Homeless Services and nearest emergency shelter programs

800-498-8847

HomeConnect

Rental Assistance

For rental assistance in the west county visit United Lift's website and Lift to Rise for east county.

United Lift Lift to Rise

CA State COVID-19 Resources

For financial help including food, eviction protection, mortgage relief, small business and employee relief and unemployment assistance.

CA State COVID-19 Assistance Website

 

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program

Find out more about selection qualifications, levels and income limits.

How to Apply

2023 Point-in-Time Count Data

The 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, conducted on January 25, 2023, was planned, coordinated, and carried out by county agencies, city municipalities, non-profit service providers, and volunteers, including those experiencing homelessness.

3,725 Sheltered & Unsheltered
1,284 Sheltered
2,441 Unsheltered