A major methodological challenge in any PiT Count is determining who to enumerate in the count. As per the Canadian Definition of Homelessness, homelessness describes a range of circumstances and experiences. The ability to enumerate all forms of homelessness through a PiT Count is limited.

Traditionally, a PiT Count is designed to enumerate just two types of homelessness: unsheltered homelessness – individuals living in public spaces or areas unfit for human habitation -and sheltered homelessness – individuals staying temporarily in emergency shelters. 

“Homelessness describes a range of housing and shelter circumstances, with people being without any shelter at one end, and being insecurely housed at the other. That is, homelessness encompasses a range of physical living situations, organized here in a typology that includes 1) Unsheltered, or absolutely homeless and living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation; 2) Emergency Sheltered, including those staying in overnight shelters for people who are homeless, as well as shelters for those impacted by family violence; 3) Provisionally Accommodated, referring to those whose accommodation is temporary or lacks security of tenure, and finally, 4) At Risk of Homelessness, referring to people who are not homeless, but whose current economic and/or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards. It should be noted that for many people homelessness is not a static state but rather a fluid experience, where one’s shelter circumstances and options may shift and change quite dramatically and with frequency.”

- Excerpt from the Canadian Definition of Homelessness