Annual Homelessness Count to Be Conducted in Western Virginia

On January 22 and 23, 2025, the Western Virginia Continuum of Care (CoC) will hold its annual Point in Time (PIT) Count to identify and survey individuals experiencing homelessness across the region. Volunteers and agencies will canvas areas from Harrisonburg to Winchester, including Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, Warren, Frederick, and Clarke Counties.

The PIT Count collects data on people staying in homeless shelters and those who are unsheltered, such as individuals living in cars, abandoned buildings, or tent encampments. The results help meet federal requirements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which uses this data to allocate funding for homelessness programs in Virginia.

Last Year’s Results

In the 2024 PIT Count, the CoC identified 373 individuals experiencing homelessness in the region, with 74% staying in shelters and 26% unsheltered. The data provides critical insight into the scope of homelessness and helps determine how resources should be allocated to meet community needs.

Why the PIT Count Matters

The PIT Count is essential for maintaining HUD funding, which supports local programs aimed at addressing homelessness. Strict HUD guidelines define who qualifies as “homeless” for the purposes of this count. For example, individuals staying in motels or temporarily living with friends or family are not included in the PIT Count totals.

The Western Virginia CoC—a collaboration of nonprofits, governments, schools, law enforcement, hospitals, and community members—works year-round to prevent and end homelessness in the Shenandoah Valley.

Get Involved

To learn more about the PIT Count, previous data, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit https://continuumofcare513.com/data/pit/. Questions about data and methodology can be directed to Kaitlin Heatwole, while inquiries about outreach and canvassing efforts can be directed to Allison Henry.

By participating in this important initiative, the community can better understand homelessness and advocate for solutions that provide hope and stability for those in need.