On behalf of the Point-In-Time (PIT) Count organizers and community leads, Beaufort County would like to express its thanks for all the work and dedication put into this year’s Point-In-Time Count. The willingness of multiple agencies and volunteers to contribute their time and energy speaks volumes to the spirit of collaboration that we are fortunate to have in Beaufort County.

As we wait for the confirmed count from the Lowcountry Continuum of Care (LCoC) and The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the evening of January 24^th, 2024, we can share that observations do suggest an increase in our street homeless population from 2023. Individuals that volunteers engaged with were met with warm food, conversation, and gratitude gifts for their time.

The efforts from community members, organizations, and agencies help ensure that the requirement of participation in the PIT Count is met to receive federal funding from HUD. This year’s efforts successfully supported two local agencies that receive funding: Hopeful Horizons and Family Promise of Beaufort County. Beaufort County looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration to support our community organizations and agencies who assist this population of residents.

Ana Ramirez, Beaufort County PIT Coordinator, emphasized the importance of so many agencies and community members coming together, stating “we will continue working through the Residential Empowerment Coalition (REC) to sustain momentum in addressing our county's homelessness concerns. This includes the ongoing planning, implementation, or support of existing prevention programs aimed at assisting over 280 children currently eligible for services via the McKinney-Vento Act and over 620 community members facing displacement or housing insecurity, as reflected in our Charity Tracker Data.”

For more information or with questions about these ongoing efforts, reach out to the Beaufort County PIT Coordinator at ana.ramirez@bcgov.net.

For additional data on some of the challenges facing those experiencing housing insecurity, please refer to:

South Carolina McKinney-Vento Data / Every Child Has A Right To Education

South Carolina Interagency Council on Homelessness

Lowcountry Continuum of Care

US Department of Housing and Urban Development