First day of Point-in-Time Count gets started in Central Mississippi [Video]

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – On Wednesday, the first “Point-in-Time Count” took place in Central Mississippi. This is an annual survey conducted by the Central MS Continuum of Care that takes a count of the homeless population in specific regions which could impact funding for homelessness resources.

So, what is a “Point-in-Time Count” and why does it matter? Melvin Stamps, the Planning Director at Central MS Continuum of Care, explains.

“It is a tool used throughout the United States to be able to address homelessness. It gives us a snapshot of our homeless population on one specific night. It plays a critical role as it relates to public policy, advocacy efforts, and also, resource distribution throughout the state of Mississippi,” Melvin Stamps said.

Volunteers conduct a count and interview people who are homeless. This information is then used to request more funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development …