Survey Volunteer – Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Volunteer Opportunity Description:
Survey Volunteers support the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count by surveying individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. Volunteers will work in assigned teams of 3–4 people and canvass a mapped area that includes locations where people experiencing homelessness have previously been encountered, such as encampments, parks, alleys, underpasses, and service locations.

Each team will be deployed to a specific area and use plotted locations on their map as starting points. Team members will respectfully conduct the PIT Count Survey with individuals they meet during canvassing. Whenever possible, volunteer teams will include at least one person with prior experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or previous PIT Count experience.

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be 13 years or older
  (Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)

• Ability to accurately and carefully collect data and maintain confidentiality

• Willingness to respectfully engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds

• Commitment to personal safety, including traveling with a partner or team

• Volunteers surveying outdoors must be able to stand and walk 1–2 miles and/or be active for up to 3 hours

What to Expect / What’s Provided

Volunteers will receive a Surveyor Supply Kit, which includes:

• Clipboard

• Pens and paper surveys

• Volunteer identification

• Homeless resource information cards

• Flashlight

• Safety vest

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring a fully charged cellphone.

Volunteer Teams

• You do not need to have a team to sign up

• If you already have a group of 3–4 people you would like to work with, please list their names in the sign-up notes so teams can be assigned accordingly

Orientation

An online volunteer orientation will be required prior to the PIT Count.
Dates and times will be announced and shared with registered volunteers once finalized.

Location

All volunteers will meet at:
31 E. Clay Ave. – United Way (United Way of the Lakeshore)

Date & Time

Volunteers may choose from one of the following staggered start times:

• Wednesday, January 28 | 9:00 PM

• Wednesday, January 28 | 11:45 PM

• Thursday, January 29 | 4:30 AM

Questions? Please Contact Madison Butler at madison@unitedwaylakeshore.org or by phone at (231) 332-4012.