Gary Stockert Emergency Manager | Bismarck ND City Government
Gary Stockert Emergency Manager | Bismarck ND City Government
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, alongside local service providers and community organizations, is set to conduct the annual Unsheltered Point in Time (PIT) Count on January 22, 2025. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to gather data on homelessness.
The PIT Count aims to identify and count individuals experiencing homelessness during a single night in January. Volunteers and outreach teams will visit various locations where unsheltered individuals may reside, such as streets, parks, and vehicles.
Renae Moch, Public Health Director for Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, emphasized the importance of this data: “The Point in Time Count helps us better understand the scope of homelessness in our community and the unique challenges faced by individuals and families without shelter.” She added that the information gathered is crucial for policy decisions and resource allocation.
Mark Heinert, President of the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People, highlighted the need for community collaboration: “Homelessness is a complex issue that requires collaboration and commitment from the entire community. The PIT Count provides the data we need to advocate for effective solutions.”
Volunteers are essential to this effort. They will collect data and distribute items like blankets and hygiene kits. The results from this year's count will be analyzed and shared with the public later.
For more details or volunteer registration for the 2025 PIT Count event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2757136911125504.
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