Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and generous donors, our PIT Count was a great success!
As of now, we are analyzing the data to be released in a later report.
Every Person Counts: PIT Count 2024
On the night of January 31, 2024, more than 25 teams of volunteers spread throughout Detroit to count and survey people who are experiencing homelessness and unsheltered – and to reminded them that they do count – every one. This is also known as the PIT Count.
What is the PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of people who are experiencing homelessness on one night in January. This count helps provide a snapshot of who is homeless in our community. It is also an an opportunity to help us better understand the needs in our community so that we can advocate for resources to meet those needs and measure our progress towards ending homelessness. The PIT count counts persons who are homeless and staying in unsheltered locations and persons who are staying in shelters on the night of the PIT. The sheltered PIT count is conducted using our community's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The unsheltered count is conducted by finding and interviewing people who are not in a shelter on the night of the PIT.
Volunteering for the PIT Count
There are several ways you can volunteer for the PIT Count:
Volunteer to Conduct Next-Day Interviews
Our PIT count strategy includes conducting interviews at meal programs or drop-in centers on the days following the Count to identify additional people who were not encountered on the night of the Count.
Volunteer for the Unsheltered Street Count
At this time we have filled our quota for volunteers for the Unsheltered Street Count. If you would still like to volunteer, please consider signing up for Next-Day Interviews above.
How can I help?
To show compassion in a practical way and to encourage cooperation, teams will distribute items of value to people who are homeless. You can help by donating these items through our Amazon Wishlist! Unisex items in adult sizes are preferred.
New Winter Hats
New Scarves
Thermal Blankets
New Mittens or Gloves
New Socks
Personal Hygiene Items (Travel size shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant)
Sponsor a Street Ambassador
Make a financial donation of $100 to provide a stipend to a Street Ambassador. Street Ambassadors are people who are currently, or formerly, homeless, who help our teams effectively engage with people on the streets. There are two ways to donate.
Donate by check
Checks may be made out to the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND) and mailed to: 3701 Miracles Blvd, Suite 101, Detroit, MI, 48201
Donate online
Past PIT Count Data
Full reports of the number of persons counted in past PIT counts may be found here.