Special Guest at BSM to Observe the PIT Count

March 3, 2016

On the evening of January 27, 2016, the 315 Café at Broad Street Ministry participated in the Point in Time (PIT) surveying of our guests. The Point in Time Count is coordinated by the Office of Supportive Housing in collaboration with U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the City’s Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disabilities.

According to HUD the “PIT count data provide[s] critical feedback about the nature and needs of persons experiencing homelessness in their areas. The 2016 PIT count is an important benchmark to reflect the community and national efforts to end veteran homelessness.” Leadership at Broad Street Ministry agree that this is an important tool in collecting data so that we can best serve the guests who rely on our services.

The 315 Café at BSM can host up to 100 guests overnight, January 1 thru March 31. Light meals and other services, such as housing counseling, are offered.

At about 12:00pm, BSM greeted about 15 PIT Count Volunteers carrying iPads and full trained on surveying best practices. Shortly after the volunteers arrived and set up shop, BSM welcomed a very special guest, Denis McDonough, President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff. Mr. McDonough spent about an hour talking to guests, PIT Count Volunteers, and BSM staff.

It is exciting and encouraging that Broad Street Ministry is getting federal level attention of its services and participation in the PIT Surveys. Staff were enthusiastic to participate in the PIT Survey and host such a dignitary.

Broad Street Ministry extends thanks and appreciation to Mr. McDonough, all PIT Count Volunteers, and everyone involved in this important process.