NOTE: This story originally appeared on WUCF.
Brevard’s Homeless Coalition is set to release its latest data, providing a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county.
Longtime Point-in-Time (PIT) count volunteer Michelle Green believes the upcoming data may not fully capture the scope of homelessness in the region.
Watch the video below to learn how volunteers reach out to homeless people in Brevard County.
Green has spent the past eight years walking the streets of Cocoa and Merritt Island, listening to the stories of those without a permanent home. While the numbers may suggest a slight decrease in homelessness this year, Green believes the reality tells a different story.
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“I interviewed fewer people this year,” Green said, citing the impact of Florida’s recent camping ban, which some advocates believe has driven more individuals into hiding. “But from weekly outreach, I know there are more people out there than last year. I feel like we’re probably undercounted this year.”
Green explained that weather conditions and available shelter space can significantly affect visibility during the count. Last year’s frigid temperatures led to an uptick in temporary shelter use, offering a more static picture. This year, she says, many individuals remained out of sight.
The PIT count, conducted every January and reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides a snapshot of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals. The data plays a crucial role in determining federal funding for local housing and support programs.
Watch the video below to see the latest data on homelessness in Orlando.
Over 150 volunteers across Brevard County participated in this year’s PIT count, according to the Brevard Homeless Coalition. Volunteers not only track numbers but also ask individuals how they became homeless - answers often rooted in medical crises, job loss, or family instability. “Most of us are one crisis away from being in the same situation,” Green noted.
She also expressed concern about rising insurance rates and their impact on fixed-income households.
“We wanted to die in our home,” she said, referencing recent increases in homeowners’ insurance. “But unless something changes, it’s going to be out of our budget.”
The official PIT count data is expected to be released on May 8.