What is the PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a nationwide count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that Continuum of Cares conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night. The Guam Homeless Coalition is Guam’s Continuum of Care and is responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting Guam’s PIT Count.
During the PIT Count, volunteers complete surveys with unhoused families and individuals to gather information to gain a better understanding of their situation and challenges, to help shape the programs GHC provides to prevent and respond homelessness.
2024 Important Dates
January 5 – Deadline to Register as a PIT Count Volunteer
January 16-18 – Mandatory PIT Count Volunteer Training (Volunteers are only required to attend one day)
January 22 – Mandatory TEAM LEADER Training (Only for Team Leaders)
January 24 – Care Bag Packing
PIT Count Volunteer Opportunities
From being a day of volunteer to helping collect donations for care bags, there are different ways you can make a difference during the 2024 PIT Count.
Day of Outreach Volunteer
Be part of the 300 volunteers that go out to complete surveys and pass out care bags with Guam’s unhoused community. All volunteers will be required to attend a one day PIT Count Training that will provide volunteers with the tools to help them be successful during the count. Experienced volunteers are welcome to become a Team Leader.
Donate Items for Care Bags
After conducting surveys, volunteers will give families care bags. We need your help to fill the Care Bags! The Salvation Army will be collecting all PIT Count donations from January 8-24. We will be accepting donations of:
- Canned meat (preferably with a pop top)
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner
- Small can openers
Contact The Salvation Army at 671-477-9810/13/15 starting January 8, 2024to drop off donations.
Help Pack Care Bags
Help us pack a little bit of love that will be distributed to unhoused families. Care Bags will be packed at The Salvation Army in Tiyan on January 24, 2024 starting at 2pm.
More details to come as we get closer to the date.
Can’t donate your time?
The Guam Homeless Coalition is able to conduct the annual PIT Count thanks to generous donations made by individuals, families and businesses. All monies donated to the Guam Homeless Coalition go directly to supporting unhoused individuals and families through outreaches like the PIT Count and through direct financial assistance that helps families become housed and get on their feet.
