Mt. Clemens, MI - Macomb Community Action is currently seeking volunteers for its Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that asks all Continuum of Cares to provide data on its local homeless population. The 2024 count will be held on Wednesday, January 24 from 7 p.m. through 11 p.m.
“We’re asking our community to come together for this important event,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “It’s a challenging job, but it’s essential and it provides support to individuals in our society that sometimes get left behind. I hope we can unite around this cause.”
Volunteers must gather data on those encountered, including gender, race and ethnicity for all persons. Additional data will be gathered if the person interviewed voluntarily provides the information. This could consist of veteran status, age, whether the person is “chronically homeless” or if the person is experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, disability status, HIV/AIDS or those who have a substance use disorder.
Groups of three to four volunteers per vehicle will canvass the County in search of those who, during the PIT count hours, are found outside unsheltered. The volunteers will be provided a geographic portion of the County to monitor. “Hot spots” - where homeless people are known to be - will be provided. Volunteers will complete forms on those they encounter to ensure data is collected appropriately. A bag of items will be provided to everyone they meet along with a sheet of resources including shelter information, health care information, etc.
Those interested in volunteering with Macomb Community Action for the night of the PIT must complete a registration form and attend volunteer training. The registration form is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOyEf5ItIYXo-LNvyjnqpSBv8aar3iamfpqrfsBusm0M9xug/viewform
Those unable to volunteer, but still wishing to contribute, can make donations for the giveaway bags. Organizers currently are seeking blankets, winter accessories like hats, gloves, socks, scarves, hand and foot warmers, grab-and-go packaged foods, and hygiene products. Contact