Fact Sheet

5 Myths about PIT Counts

This fact sheet addresses the following myths:

Myth 1: Point-in-Time counts do not count every homeless person and therefore are inaccurate.

Myth 2: Other national statistics contradict the data presented in Point-in-Time counts.

Myth 3: Point-in-Time counts are meant to provide data on everyone who is homeless during a year.

Myth 4: Fluctuations in the Point-in-Time counts simply reflect fluctuations in the number of shelter beds – not in the number of homeless people.

Myth 5: If the Point-in-Time count is down, it means that there is enough affordable housing in the community.