What is the PIT Count? The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.

Sheltered PIT Count. HUD requires that Continuums of Care (CoCs) conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night.

Unsheltered PIT Count. HUD requires CoCs to conduct counts of people in unsheltered locations at least every other year. Many CoCs conduct their counts by sampling parts of their jurisdiction and by using those samples to derive a full estimate of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

What is the HIC? The Housing Inventory Count (HIC) is a point-in-time inventory of provider programs within a Continuum of Care that provide beds and units dedicated to serve people experiencing homelessness (and, for permanent housing projects, where homeless at entry, per the HUD homeless definition), categorized by five Program Types: Emergency Shelter; Transitional Housing; Rapid Re-housing; Safe Haven; and Permanent Supportive Housing.

PIT and HIC Data. Homeless population and service utilization data is a vital tool for successful strategic housing planning processes for state and local communities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the collection of Point in Time (PIT) Count and Housing Inventory Count (HIC) data for one night each year to assist in measuring the extent of homelessness within Alaska. This data is also used to advocate for federal and state funding to assist Alaska’s homeless. For the latest Point in Time Count data and links to other AKHMIS information, please visit our Data Page.

Project Homeless Connect. AKCH2 organizes statewide efforts to complete a thorough and methodologically sound PIT/HIC count on an annual basis. Multiple local coalitions organize Project Homeless Connect (PHC) events during the PIT Count in an effort to connect as many individuals with services in their community.