The PIT Count will take place the night of Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30-10:30 pm-- rain, shine, sleet, or snow.

To REGISTER you must sign up by clicking this link HERE

The purpose of the HUD Point-in-Time (PIT) count is to obtain a census of our unhoused neighbors in our community. The data collected during the PIT count helps our community understand the extent of homelessness, changing trends, and the measure of success in making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count has been scheduled for the night of Thursday, January 25, 2024. The PIT count, is a requirement under Federal Law, and helps communities understand the extent of homelessness, changing trends, and the measure of their success in making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. During the count, groups of volunteers and outreach workers will take a census of our unhoused neighbors across Dallas and Collin Counties.

Housing Forward, as the HUD designated lead agency for Dallas and Collin Counties, leads the PIT count in collaboration with the All Neighbors Coalition. The All Neighbors Coalition is made up of more than 140 partner organizations that directly provide critical resources and support to individuals, Veterans, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.

TO REGISTER: Sign up HERE for the City of McKinney's 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count.

Each year, the City of McKinney together with Housing Forward and the Collin County Homeless Coalition (CCHC) counts and surveys its homeless population, sheltered and unsheltered, as part of a nationwide event. The PIT Count's success relies heavily on help from volunteers.

**New** Housing Forward Training Video & Resources: CLICK HERE for TRAINING VIDEO

Volunteer FAQ: click here
Waiver of Liability form: click here
CCHC-Previous Homeless Counts: click here

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Salinas at rsalinas@mckinneytexas.org.

To volunteer in other Collin or Dallas County jurisdictions, please click on links below.
Plano: register here
Housing Forward: register here

To REGISTER you must sign up by clicking this link HERE

 
FAQ

When: Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

PIT Count Agenda:
• Sign-In 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Training 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.
• Count & Survey 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Salvation Army-McKinney, 600 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069

What: The count consists of teams of volunteers who’ll survey, and count sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons in McKinney, as well as distribute care packages during the count.

What is the purpose of the PIT Count?

The PIT Count gives us valuable information about the state of homelessness in our community. This information is provided to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), who uses it when making decisions on how funding is allocated to provide homeless services.

Persons identified on the night of the Count are offered a follow-up visit, where they will be visited and offered case management and services based on their unique situation.

How do I sign up?

Sign up to volunteer for the City of McKinney's Point-in-Time (PIT) Count using the online SignUpGenius Form. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B45A5AA2CABF58-46043537-2024#/form/Standard

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to register.

You may sign up as a PIT Team Captain, Member, or as an individual volunteer serving at the Hot Spot location (Salvation Army-McKinney).

• • Team Captains are responsible for assembling a team of up to three (3) additional volunteers. Teams will then survey sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons within assigned area, as well as distribute care packages during the count.

• 
  • Team Members are responsible for canvasing assigned areas of the City in an effort to locate and survey unsheltered homeless individuals and families.

• 
  • Hot Spot Volunteers are responsible for serving meals, signing in teams, organizing team packages, surveying incoming sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, and distributing care packages. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outer attire. We may experience rain, snow, or ice; we still go out to search for people. While some groups may not get out of their cars depending on the location they are assigned, many will.

Can youth help with the homeless count?

Yes and No. You must be at least 18 years or older to participate on an actual count team. Minors aged 16 and 17 may participate in activities such as organizing care packages and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to participate.

Is there anything else I need to do in advance?

Your team must have at least one person with a smart device, Apple or Android, that has the Counting Us app on it. It is recommended that you and your team watch two short YouTube training videos provided by Housing Forward-coming soon.

2024 Point-in-Time Count Is training required?

Yes. Please watch the above-mentioned YouTube training videos, prior to the PIT Count. It will give you information and answer common questions. We will also give you a quick refresher the evening of the Count.

Training will start at 6:00 p.m. in the Salvation Army-McKinney’s Chapel. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to sign in, complete the waiver/release form, and receive your team packets that will include a map with an area of the city to search for persons experiencing homelessness that night.

How will I count?

By the time you finish watching the YouTube training video, that question will be fully answered! The gist of it, though, is pretty simple:

• • You will arrive at the Hot Spot- Salvation Army-McKinney.
  • Once your entire team has arrived, we will check you in.
  • We will train you onsite. Please watch the YouTube training video, to prepare in advance! There may be
  slight differences as the video is geared toward the Dallas PIT Count.
  • You will deploy to your route.
  • Once you arrive, you will walk your route.
  • You will conduct an interview or an observation (if you cannot conduct an interview) of each homeless
  person you find, using the Counting Us app.
  • Once you are done, you will return to the Hot Spot- Salvation Army-McKinney by 10:00 p.m. and turn in all team packets, vests, and left-over care packages.

Will you have care packages to give to those we count?

Yes! We hope to have a limited number of care packages for you to hand out.
Will a police officer be on my team?

Your safety is our number one priority. Although officers will not be with you during the count, McKinney Police Department Patrol Officers are aware that volunteers will be out and about and will respond if necessary. We are extremely thankful to the McKinney Police Department for assisting us with this year’s PIT Count.

How do I know which area of McKinney I will be searching?

You will be assigned a specific area within the City of McKinney on the night of the PIT Count when you arrive to training. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate
requests to search specific areas of the City.

Will I get reminders and updates about the PIT Count?

Yes, reminders and updates will be sent to all volunteers as they become available.

I still have questions. What should I do?

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Becky Salinas, at rsalinas@mckinneytexas.org.

2024 Point-in-Time Count For a successful survey, volunteers should keep these tips in mind:

• 
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate outer attire.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required.
  • Do not wear jewelry or bring a purse or fanny pack. Tuck your keys in your pocket and lock all valuables in your trunk.
  • Please bring a flashlight for your use and an extra coat, if you can, that you can give away to any person you might find. Any coats left over will be donated at the end of the evening.
  • If you have a license to carry a weapon, we ask that you do not display the weapon during the count. (We prefer that you leave it in your vehicle.)
  • All volunteers must attend the mandatory training.
  • Each team will be given reflective vests and care packages.
  • Most of McKinney's homeless population is very friendly. But if a volunteer doesn't feel
  comfortable approaching someone or the person doesn’t want to participate, complete an observation survey on the “Counting Us” app, leave a care package, and move on.
  • Keep a safe distance from the person surveyed.
  • Protect yourself from coughs and sneezes. Use sanitizer after each encounter.
  • Do not allow the homeless person to use your mobile device or complete the survey themselves.
  • Please come with a spirit of compassion and respect for the homeless of our city. Remember that most of us are 2 paychecks away from being homeless ourselves!