APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — The Fox Cities Housing Coalition is coordinating the biannual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in partnership with housing agencies across the Fox Valley.
Volunteers led by coalition members spread out throughout communities in the Fox Valley area during the night and early morning hours to identify people living on the street and connect them to resources.
For the past several years, the Fox Cities has seen an increase in individuals and families seeking homeless services, which has translated to more people sleeping in places not meant for human habitation.
Mindy Howell is the Fox Cities Housing Coalition President, and says the last Point-in-Time count in July 2022 revealed 262 individuals in the Fox Valley were experiencing homelessness. Of those 262, 40 were found living on the streets during the Point-in-Time count. In January of last year, that number was 19 people who were living on the streets.
“I don’t know if that number will be up, but I’m anticipating that it may be just because of the housing crisis in the community.” said Howell.
By conducting the count, Fox Cities Housing Coalition agencies are better able to communicate the need for housing within our community, but it also gives agencies the chance to engage with individuals on the streets to help them transition into housing.
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