On January 22, 2024, before the first light of dawn, 46 dedicated volunteers from various agencies across Charlotte County gathered for the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. This collaborative effort, organized by Gulf Coast Partnership, brought together representatives from organization such as the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Jewish Family and Children's Services, St. Vincent de Paul CARES, Jesus Loves You Ministry, Elder Affairs, Veterans Administration, Charlotte County Human Services, Charlotte County Veterans Services, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, and the Punta Gorda Police Department.
The PIT Count is an essential annual initiative undertaken by communities that receive federal funding for homelessness. It involves counting and surveying persons experiencing homelessness on a single night. This snapshot provides insights into the extent of homelessness, helping communities shape effective strategies to address this critical issue.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 46 volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to participate in this year's PIT Count. Special recognition goes to the law enforcement officers from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and the Punta Gorda Police Department (PGPD) for their outstanding support and collaboration, and for their commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
After completing the unsheltered count, volunteers reconvened at the GCP for a well-deserved lunch and a collaborative conversation about our achievements and potential solutions for current unmet needs. The camaraderie and shared commitment to addressing homelessness were palpable as participants shared their experiences and insights.
While the official totals form the PIT Count are pending release, preliminary observations shed light on the evolving landscape of homelessness in Charlotte County. Before Hurricane Ian, housing inventory was scarce, and rental prices reached unprecedented levels. However, we are beginning to witness positive changes, with more housing opportunities emerging and rental prices becoming more accessible again. This shift enhances our ability to work towards our ultimate goal of effectively ending homelessness for all unhoused individuals and families in our community.
We want to express our gratitude to the Family Services Center for creating space for us to provide essential training to our volunteers and to all the agencies and partners who contributed to the success of the 2024 PIT Count. Your dedication and collaboration are instrumental in our success in tackling tough community issues like homelessness and housing. As we await the official results, let us continue working together to build a community where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.
Together We Can!
