*****PRESS RELEASE December 20, 2023*****

Brevard Homeless Coalition Preparing for January Point in Time Count

Dec. 20, 2023, Brevard County, FL — The Point in Time Count – an annual census of Brevard County’s unsheltered and temporarily sheltered homeless residents – is scheduled for January 25, 2024.

The Point in Time Count aims to provide a snapshot of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Brevard County over the course of one full day and night. This includes people living in unsheltered locations, such as cars, parks, streets and sidewalks, as well as those living in transitional (temporary) housing or emergency shelters. Volunteers paired with professional homeless outreach workers and case managers visit these locations and others to help gather information about the size and scope of homelessness in Brevard.

Point in Time Count data is used by nonprofit and government agencies to secure grant funding to provide resources to help those in need with services such as being rapidly rehoused, obtaining supportive services and case management, providing people essential needs during street outreach, and supporting emergency shelters and rental assistance. The Count also helps to educate our community at large, elected officials and other decision makers.

The 2023 Point in Time Count found that of the 1,052 people counted, unsheltered female, Veteran, and youth (ages 18-24) homelessness rose 43%, 117%, and 200% respectively. With this knowledge, the Brevard County homeless system of care can foster partnerships and create strategies to address gaps and barriers in the system leading to the increased numbers.  

The Coalition is also looking for support from residents, businesses and community groups. There are several ways to get involved:

• Give: Organizers are collecting items that can be given to unsheltered residents during the Point in Time Count, such as bus passes, grocery store gift cards and things to help them keep warm during the cold months. You can donate specific items using the Brevard Homeless Coalition’s Amazon Wishlist, or donate funds to Brevard Homeless Coalition that will be used to purchase the necessary items.
• Share: Share information about the Point in Time Count with people you know.
• Volunteer: There are opportunities leading up to the Point in Time Count and also opportunities to participate in the count itself.

For more information, visit https://brevardhomelesscoalition.org/. Updates will also be posted on Facebook (@BrevardHomelessCoalition).