Family Eldercare staff are gearing up for the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. Our staff are actively involved and encourage everyone to volunteer their time for this important event.
What is the PIT count? Simply put, it is an annual survey of the unhoused across the U.S. In Austin, the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) recruits around 1,000 volunteers to hand out care packages and literally count the unhoused. The PIT count is the primary way the federal government tracks the overall number of people experiencing homelessness across the U.S.
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteer
Family Eldercare has a team already signed up, but there is still time for YOU to get involved. Click here to volunteer for the PIT count. This is an in-person count on the streets of Austin so prepare for walking several miles on your shift.
If you’re unable to participate in the in-person count, you can lend a hand making up care packages. Care pack-making will be held at the ECHO office, 210 Barton Springs Road, Ste. 400 from 10 am-4 pm, this Saturday, Jan. 21. Refreshments will be provided. ECHO encourages participants to bring items with them to pack into kits, but it’s not required. See the Amazon wish list for ideas of what to bring!
Donate
Can’t participate in the in-person count or help with making care packages? Donate! Here is a link to the Amazon Wishlist that you can buy and ship items directly to the ECHO office or make a monetary donation. Either way, our unhoused community will be the recipients of a generous care package.
Share
Whether you’re volunteering or not, we encourage everyone to share information about the PIT count. This is important to our community and for the work we do every day. Go to ECHO’s website and share their ready-made social media graphics.
They say it on their website, but it bears repeating, “The more of us who come together, the more successful the Point in Time Count will be.” Spread the word, share information, and let’s support the count!
Family Eldercare in Action: On the Forefront of Keeping Austin Housed
Visit the Financial & Housing Stability webpage for services and resources.
Read Family Eldercare’s Position on Affordable Housing
Read Jaime’s Journey Towards Independence
Part I – A Day in the Life of a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Part 2 – A Day in the Life of a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
