Why the Homeless Point in Time Count Matters

A New Leaf’s Marketing Director, Tanner Swanson, joined FOX10 Talks to discuss the Point in Time Count and why it is so critical to our community. Coordinated locally through the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Point in Time Count brings together cities, nonprofits, and volunteers with a shared goal of understanding homelessness across Maricopa County. Volunteers respectfully canvas communities to count and speak with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, helping paint a clearer picture of need across the region.

For A New Leaf, this count plays a vital role in determining how and where community resources are dedicated. The data collected helps establish the official status of homelessness in our community, which directly influences funding decisions at the local, state, and federal levels. That funding is crucial to delivering effective services, from shelter and housing to support that helps families regain stability and move forward.

Turning Data Into Action

The information gathered through the Point in Time Count informs real, on-the-ground decisions. It helps guide shelter capacity, outreach strategies, and long-term housing efforts while identifying gaps in services and areas where demand is increasing. This data allows organizations like A New Leaf to track trends over time and evaluate whether programs are truly meeting the needs of those we serve.

As housing costs rise and financial pressures continue to grow, more individuals and families are being pushed into crisis. The Point in Time Count helps our community respond with intention rather than assumption, ensuring solutions are guided by evidence and shared accountability. We are grateful to every volunteer who participated and every neighbor who shared their story, helping strengthen the collective effort to protect families and build pathways out of homelessness.