This week, our Executive Director, Jessica, alongside community partners, had the opportunity to participate in the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a biannual nationwide effort to count individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community on a single night.

The PIT Count helps identify who is experiencing homelessness, where gaps in services exist, and what resources are needed most. This data directly informs local, state, and federal funding decisions and helps communities plan effective, long-term solutions.

We are grateful to Shelby Eipperle, Homeless Program Coordinator with Community Solutions of Eastern Iowa (CSEI) and the East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), for coordinating this important effort and bringing partners together in service of our community. 

Why this matters:

Data for the PIT count are submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and accurate data leads to better funding, stronger programs, and more informed advocacy. Most importantly, it ensures that individuals and families experiencing homelessness are seen, counted, and included in solutions that create pathways to stability, dignity, and home. Resources such as sleeping bags and warm clothes were also made available to those in need during the count. 

Thank you to all who participated and continue to show up for our community.