VA Salt Lake City Employees Step Up to Support Homeless Count Efforts

The PIT count is conducted over three days near the end of January between 4 and 6 a.m. For years, VA employees have been an integral part of this effort, bringing compassion, expertise, and determination to individuals who are living on the streets. 

The PIT count is more than just a tally, it is a critical tool used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to better understand those experiencing homelessness in the United States and to properly allocate funding to homeless services. 

"The Point in Time count gives us Data," said Meisha Jensen, coordinated entry specialist for the Homeless & Justice Clinical Recovery Program at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System. "It gives us a baseline understanding of how many unhoused individuals we are seeing in our communities. It also gives us an understanding of sub-populations like Veterans, families, youth and aging individuals and it helps our communities and the VA address the needs of those sub-populations." 

For the VA Salt Lake City team, which consisted of 45 volunteers, participating in the PIT count isn’t just a professional responsibility, it’s a personal one.  

"My experience today was one of gratitude and eye opening," said Amy Christian, associate director for patient care programs at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System. "I’m so grateful for all the volunteers who turned out to assist in this very important event." 

Volunteers work in pairs or small groups, visiting encampments, city parks and other areas where homeless individuals are known to gather. Bearing donations of food, water, and winter clothes for anyone they encounter, data collectors approached individuals respectfully, asking a series of voluntary questions to better understand the situation of those who are experiencing homelessness. Training sessions prior to the event ensure that all participants are prepared to handle interactions with sensitivity and professionalism. 

While the PIT count focuses on data collection, it’s impossible to ignore the human stories behind the statistics. Each interaction offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by those living without stable housing. For VA volunteers, this can be both eye-opening and inspiring. 

"What stood out to me is how gracious, kind and appreciative all of the folks we interacted with were,” said Christian. “They enjoyed having conversations with us and were very open and vulnerable." 

All funding for programs is designated through data from the PIT count. HUD requires a sheltered count and an unsheltered count to determine how funding for homeless services will be distributed. 

After reviewing the data, HUD reports to the VA the number of Veterans who were counted and the VA distributes funding to meet the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness. 

The annual Homeless Point in Time count is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. For the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, it’s an opportunity to extend their mission beyond the walls of the hospital, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to serving Veterans and the broader community. 

If you or someone you know is a Veteran who is homeless, have them reach out to our homeless outreach team at 801-582-1565 ex 2746. Veterans who would like an assessment with the homeless outreach team should contact their primary care provider and ask them to submit a homeless consult.