Each year, the Continuum of Care and Mayor's Office of Human Services conduct a count and survey of people experiencing homelessness known as the Point-in-Time Count (PIT). The survey results help local leaders better understand the needs and characteristics of people sleeping outside and staying in emergency shelters on a given night. Survey results are used to inform local, state, and federal policy on homelessness as well as how services are delivered. For people living outside or in unsheltered locations, it also serves as an opportunity to connect them to street outreach teams and shelter. During the week of January 27, 2019, volunteers are needed to canvass neighborhoods, hospitals, service provider’s locations, and other places that people experiencing homelessness can be found in Baltimore to administer surveys to individuals experiencing homelessness. There are 2 ways volunteers can get involved: Street Count Small groups of volunteers will be led by an experienced homeless service provider in canvassing streets and outdoor locations to survey individuals experiencing homelessness. This shift takes place from 5pm to 11pm on Sunday, January 27th, and 6:30pm to 11pm on Monday, January 28th. Volunteers must be available for both nights. On the first night of the street count, volunteers will receive training and dinner. Service providers, individuals with PIT Count experience, or those interested in taking on more of a leadership role can volunteer to be a team leader. Team Leaders will receive a more detailed, in-person training and will lead teams of 5-7 volunteers during the count. Daytime Site-Based Count Small groups of volunteers will be led by an experienced homeless service provider in surveying individuals at community sites such as the Beans and Bread Center or Paul’s Place. These shifts take place each day from 9am-2pm, Monday January 28th to Wednesday January 30th. Site-based volunteers complete an online training prior to their shift.
All interested volunteers may sign up online at: https://baltimorepitcount2019.eventbrite.com