Brown County
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) — Brown County housing advocates are seeking volunteers to participate in the upcoming Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, scheduled to take place overnight from July 24 to July 25, 2024, between 11:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. This event collects data on the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community to better understand their needs, identify trends, and to develop effective solutions.
Communities across Wisconsin conduct the PIT count twice per year, once in January and once in July. The count is intended to capture information about the homeless population to create a “snapshot” of what homelessness looks like in a neighborhood, city, or state.
Last July’s PIT count found 125 unsheltered people living on the streets or in other places not meant for human habitation throughout Brown County. The data showed a 40% rise from the previous summer and a nearly 200% rise since July 2021.
The leaders of this month’s count are calling on the community to come together to support this effort by volunteering for one or more shifts during the count.
Noel Halvorsen, Chair of the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition says, “The Point in Time Count is a critical survey as it helps our community and the nation understand the scale of homelessness at that moment and provides valuable data for planning services and evaluating the effectiveness of our community’s work in addressing the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. We hope that community members will join us to support this important event.”
Volunteer Information:
• Dates: Overnight from July 24 to July 25, 2024
• Times: 11:30 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.
• Registration: Volunteers can sign up for one or more two-hour shifts during this period using
the online registration form by July 17.
• Experience: No experience is necessary. Training and materials will be provided to all volunteers. Must be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Volunteers will work in teams to survey specific areas within Brown County, engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness to gather data. The information gathered helps to secure funding for local homeless services and in shaping efforts to benefit those experiencing homelessness.
“Understanding the landscape of homelessness is essential when looking to address it.” Said Lydia Van Thiel, Blueprint Implementation Director for the Greater Green Bay Blueprint to Prevent and End Homelessness, “Our community is taking active steps and making progress towards preventing and ending homelessness in Brown County. The Point in Time count data serves as an indicator of success and helps guide our actions toward sustainable solutions.”
Interested individuals or groups can sign up to volunteer through the online registration form. The form will be open until July 17 or until all slots are filled. Items such as rain gear, toiletries and snacks are being collected to give out during the Point in Time count as well. To learn more about needed items and the process for donating, contact Meaghan Gleason at meaghangleason@newcap.org.
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