Homeward Announces Summer 2023 Point in Time Count

July 25, 2023

Richmond, VA – July 25, 2023 – Collecting reliable and consistent regional data about individuals and families experiencing homelessness is crucial in building an effective community-wide response. Homeward will organize and conduct a Point in Time (PIT) count in the Greater Richmond region on the night of July 26, 2023 and the morning of July 27, 2023

Findings from the PIT count help our region’s coordinated network of homeless services learn about needs in the community from those individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.


“The Summer PIT count will help our region better understand the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Kelly King Horne, Homeward’s Executive Director. “We also will ask new questions, including how those experiencing unsheltered homelessness plan for weather emergencies, such as extreme heat or cold.”


By talking directly to people experiencing homelessness in our region, homeless services providers can lead more effective and impactful community change.


Reporters are invited to observe the Summer 2023 PIT count. Any members of the media interested in participating must register directly with Homeward to ensure that all Federal privacy rules are followed. To register, email Horne at kkhorne@homewardva.org.


PIT counts are a requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that communities conduct periodic counts of people experiencing homelessness. This data is compiled both locally and nationally to inform programs, planning, and funding. Homeward has coordinated Greater Richmond's PIT counts since 1999. Homeward has used a standard methodology since 2007, which includes publishing PIT count data and trends over time on our website.


“The PIT counts in January and July are an important part of our efforts to ensure our region’s response to homelessness is grounded in listening to those who are most impacted,” Horne added.



Once the Greater Richmond PIT count is complete, Homeward will begin analyzing the data and reporting to federal and state agencies, as required by law. Initial findings from the Summer 2023 PIT count are expected to be released in late August.


By Elizabeth Handwerk October 22, 2025
Act Now to Preserve Critical CoC Federal Funding
October 6, 2025
At Homeward, we believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They are our neighbors and members of our community. We all face varying levels of crisis and hardship throughout our lives, some of us more than others.
August 18, 2025
Housing works. We just don’t have enough.
By Jen Johnson July 29, 2025
This past week, case conferencing looked a little different - and the impact was undeniable. As we navigate a year filled with uncertainty and change, our team wanted to try something more intentional and focused. Instead of our usual agenda, we decided to zoom in on the top 8 individuals who have been staying the longest in emergency shelter across our CoC. These are often the most complex cases, where progress can feel slow and housing solutions hard to find. But we believed that by rallying more intentionally around them, we might be able to move the needle.
By Jen Johnson July 28, 2025
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that reveal the strength of a system—and the compassion behind it.
July 1, 2025
“I truly enjoy helping people navigate through different circumstances and creating a space for them to be seen and heard.”
June 25, 2025
"In every aspect of homeless services, the principal question is always how decisions will impact someone who is currently experiencing homelessness."
May 22, 2025
“Engaging with people and building community motives me.”
By Elizabeth Handwerk March 18, 2025
In honor of Social Work Month, we're highlighting Homeward's Coalition Support Intern and current MSW student, Ainsley Miller. We asked her about the connections she sees between social work and homeless services.
March 4, 2025
Homeward today released data from the January 2025 Point in Time (PIT) count, which shows that a significant number of individuals and families continue to experience homelessness in the Richmond region. Lack of housing and economic hardship remain persistent challenges and driving factors for the elevated rates of homelessness in Central Virginia. Additionally, it’s important to note that these numbers do not capture other regional residents who are unstably housed or worried about maintaining a roof over their head.