PIT Count Data

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. HUD requires that Continuums of Care (CoCs) conduct an annual count of homeless persons who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night. CoCs must also conduct a count of unsheltered homeless persons every other year (odd numbered years); however, North Carolina CoCs conduct this count every year. Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally. View a map of the Continuums of Care.

The Point-in-Time Count follows the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development definition of homeless: People who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing, or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided. HUD publishes data 10-12 months after each PIT night.