The Homeless Housing and Assistance Act (website) requires that each county in Washington conduct an annual point in time count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons. This census is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

The 2020 Point in Time (PIT) Count was on Thursday, Jan. 23. Commerce expects to publish finalized statewide results in July 2020 after all counties have reported their counts. 

The Department of Commerce provides survey forms for counties and agencies to use for their counts. Counties can opt to use their own forms as long as the count is compliant with state guidelines linked below.