Point In Time Count Experience
By Wendy Nasgovitz
In the early hours of July 25 - 3:30am early - some of the EPH team took part in the PIT count (Point in Time). This is a bi-annual event where volunteers go out into all areas of Brown County and across the state looking for those who may be experiencing unsheltered homelessness. People found are provided information about resources in the community, asked if they would be willing to answer a survey, and counted. The purpose of the Point in Time count is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in a community to better understand needs, identify trends, and develop solutions.
I have participated in this event multiple times since I have been with EPH. All the previous times we were sent to the outlying areas of Brown County, and in the search, we never came across a person that may have needed services. This time our team was given the opportunity to search areas closer to the city of Green Bay. Given specific locations to go and no idea of what to expect, we ventured out into the night.
The first location we were assigned to go, we found multiple cars with windows slightly open and people trying to sleep for the night. As our team went from car to car and location to location on the given map, my heart started to hurt. A sadness was settling deep inside for all those who did not have a bed to stretch out in. Who wouldn’t wake up in the comfort of a home where they could shower or use a familiar bathroom. Who didn’t have a faucet to go to grab a glass of water. Simple things we sometimes take for granted.
Our allotted time for our assignment for the PIT count came to an end and we didn’t have time to search all the areas. I wanted to keep going. I wanted to keep looking, not really for the PIT count, which is a very important number, but for all those who may be in the cars who are worth being found. Who are worth our time to let them know they are loved. Who are worthy of the simple things- shelter, food, and clothing.
There are so many things that we cannot control in these situations, and yet we can do our part. Pray fervently- pray for all those who don’t have a bed to sleep in. Be kind without judgement- love people where they are at. Give generously - whatever that may look like. Offer hope – share words of encouragement. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:39 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How simple it really is - just love like Jesus did.
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