2023 HIC PIT Report

Introduction

More than just numbers!

Advancing CT Together is pleased to present the results of the 2023 Annual Point-in-Time Count. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a HUD-required annual survey of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The PIT is coordinated under the direction of the two Connecticut Continuums of Care (Opening Doors Fairfield County and Balance of State). We use the federally-sanctioned database called HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) to analyze the data on one particular night of the year (January 24, 2023) that gives us a snapshot of the severity and extent of homelessness in the state at a point in time. Read More

HUD and the Continuums of Care use the data from PIT counts to evaluate the effectiveness of local agencies' efforts to address homelessness. Coupled with the Housing Inventory Count (HIC), a summary of the state’s capacity to meet the needs of its citizens experiencing homelessness, these numbers are guideposts. Since the first count in 2005, we've gotten better at estimating these numbers. Using an increasingly robust HMIS data system, called CaseWorthy, we are able to more accurately capture the utilization of our homeless housing services system as well as capture information known about those living outdoors (“the unsheltered”). The HMIS database captures information on those in the housing and shelter systems as well as those living outdoors; it has all but replaced the need for a one-night paper-and-pen count on the streets of Connecticut during the wee hours of the night on a cold January day (the required timeframe from HUD).

Imperfect as they are, these numbers and the focus on doing an annual count remind all of us that there is work to be done. We are not just counting the number of those who are sheltered and unsheltered for the sake of knowing the scope of “the problem”. We are doing the count to cast a spotlight on the challenge that our society must do better. It provides the opportunity to engage in dialogue: what are we doing well, and what can we do better to ensure that every family is housed? What are the systemic barriers and economic realities that make housing unattainable for those who are poor? (Hint: no one can afford to live in Connecticut solely on a minimum wage salary!) How do we meet the challenging needs of individuals struggling with mental health and addiction as we strive to meet their housing needs?

Each number in the report represents real-life persons and families with hopes, dreams, and the right to be stably housed. We hope that reviewing these numbers will inspire challenging and solutions-based dialogue. The PIT count numbers help tell the story, but the dialogue that ensues is where the solutions will be found. While the point-in-time count happens one night per year, the dialogue continues throughout the entire year as we seek solutions to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Advancing CT Together, with our partners Housing Innovations, LLC and Nutmeg Consulting, LLC, coordinated the 2023 PIT and HIC alongside the tireless service providers that serve those experiencing homelessness throughout the year.

Overview

Every year, Continuums of Care (CoCs) within U.S. follow the mandate of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a count of homeless individuals, within our nation. This is a significant undertaking that involves two key components. The first is the Housing Inventory Count (HIC), which is a point-in-time inventory of local provider programs that offer beds and units specifically for people experiencing literal homelessness. These programs are organized into six different categories, including Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Rapid Rehousing, Safe Havens, Permanent Supportive Housing, and other Permanent Housing. The second component is the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which is the enumeration of homeless individuals, including those in shelters and those without shelter, on a single night in January. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to helping the most vulnerable and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and secure housing.

Methodology

The State of Connecticut conducted its annual statewide Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of people experiencing homelessness on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. A methodology has been outlined for this significant and data-driven endeavor, which required approval from the CT Balance of State (CT BOS) and Opening Doors Fairfield County (ODFC) Continuums of Care (CoCs) as per the Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations. The methodology covers counting people experiencing sheltered homelessness, and unsheltered homelessness, and a Housing Inventory Chart, collecting all data from emergency shelters, transitional housing, safe havens, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing projects. This effort will help in addressing homelessness in the state and ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. Read More

Key Findings

After analyzing the 2023 Point in Time count (PIT Count), it was found that on January 24, there were a total of 3,015 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a 2.90% increase from the previous year. The report also highlights that the number of chronically homeless individuals in Connecticut has remained stable at 117, with no change from 2022 to 2023 across both CoCs. However, the number of youth homeless in CT (24 years old and under) has seen a 7.06% increase in community members counted as unhoused. Additionally, the report noted that there were a total of 14 Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming persons reported as unhoused throughout the state of Connecticut. For a more detailed summary of the 2023 point-in-time findings, please refer to the data charts below.