Point In Time Count

This past week, volunteers from across our community gathered at Feed My Sheep for training and preparation as we came together to take part in the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.

The PIT Count is more than just a survey; it's a national effort to understand the state of homelessness in our cities and towns. Every year, in the last ten days of January, communities across the country unite to conduct this count, collecting essential data on both sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. Organized and mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the count plays a crucial role in shaping funding decisions, resource allocation, and policy development at every level.

But beyond statistics and funding applications, the PIT Count is about people. It's about seeing our neighbors—the men, women, and families who are often overlooked—and recognizing their stories.

"It's way more than just counting people, because people are not a number," says Casey Mooney, Operations Director of Feed My Sheep. "We sit there, we talk to people, and we get to know their story."

For us, that’s the heart of this effort.

Through this process, we don’t just gather numbers—we gather names, faces, and experiences. We learn who in our community is struggling, how they got there, and what they need to move forward. And in doing so, we become better equipped to serve them, not just as an organization, but as one united community.

More than the relational aspect, the count has other tangible benefits for those we serve.

Resource Allocation: Accurate data ensures that services are directed where they are most needed, from emergency shelters to long-term housing solutions.

Funding: The numbers collected influence federal and state funding decisions, demonstrating the need for financial support to address homelessness in our area.

Policy Development: Understanding the demographics and circumstances of those experiencing homelessness allows for informed, effective policies that move us toward lasting solutions.

Executing the PIT Count is no small task. It requires extensive planning, training, and teamwork between multiple agencies and nonprofits. Here in Temple and Belton, the effort this year included the Belton Police Department, the City of Temple, and organizations like Feed My Sheep, among others. Volunteers are trained not only to collect data but also to engage with individuals in a way that acknowledges their dignity and informs them about the resources available to them.

"It's a way to, for one day, make sure that everybody we come in contact with knows the full extent of resources available in their own community," Casey explains.

And it’s not just nonprofit staff and government agencies making this happen. Ordinary people—volunteers from all walks of life—step up to serve. People like Mason, a Feed My Sheep volunteer who participated in this year’s count.

"We have such a great community here," Mason says. "It's awesome to see how many volunteers were willing to take time out of the day and come interact with people here."

That’s what makes this effort so special. It’s not just about data. It’s about people coming together to care for their neighbors. It’s about offering a listening ear, a kind word, and a moment of recognition to those who often feel invisible.

The Point-in-Time Count is a vital tool in understanding and addressing homelessness in Temple, Belton, and beyond. But more than that, it’s an opportunity for our community to stand together and say: We see you. You matter. You are not alone.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something truly impactful, this is it. Anyone can be a volunteer. If you want to join our local PIT Count next year, stay connected with us on social media for updates and details on how to get involved. We’d love to have you alongside us next time, making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.