PIT Count 2027 & The Great Backpack Misconception (and other lessons in human decency)

What does it really take to count people experiencing homelessness, and why does the way we approach someone matter just as much as the information we collect? In this episode of WVCEH Presents, host Ashley Hawkins sits down with WVCEH's HMIS team members Stephanie Leep, Megan Deskins, and Joshua Kerns to discuss the upcoming 2027 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, taking place January 27-28 across the 44 counties of the West Virginia Balance of State Continuum of Care. Explore what the PIT Count is, how the information is used, and what volunteers can expect when participating. More importantly, dive into the human side of the count: approaching people with dignity, avoiding assumptions, navigating sensitive conversations, respecting boundaries, and understanding that even a brief interaction can make a meaningful difference. Want to get involved in PIT 2027? Volunteer registration, training information, and additional resources are available at: 🌐 https://www.wvceh.org/pit 📧 pit@wvceh.org Whether you're a returning volunteer, considering participating for the first time, or simply curious about how homelessness is measured in your community, this conversation is for you!