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Count of Minnesota's homeless taking place Jan. 24

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Ryutaro Tsukata via Pexels

The timing of the Point in Time count is intended to capture a more precise picture of those unable to access emergency shelter in winter months.

The annual count of those experiencing homelessness in Minnesota will take place Wednesday, Jan. 24, across the state.

Called the Point in Time or the PIT Count, the event occurs across the United States during the last 10 days of January. The timing of the count is intended to capture a more precise picture of those unable to access emergency shelter in winter months.

The numbers help with future planning to address homelessness and examine trends over several years.

Last year, nearly 8,400 people in Minnesota were experiencing homelessness at the time of the count. Nearly half of those counted were families with children, and more than 330 were veterans. The numbers include those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or Safe Haven programs, and also those staying with friends or family but without the security of a lease.

The information is collected through face-to-face interviews on an online form or through a paper survey and takes about 15 minutes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, contact your local county social services offices for more information on how to participate.

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