This report outlines the key findings of the 2011 Point-In-Time (PIT) counts conducted in January 2011. Specifically, this report provides 2011 PIT estimates and national PIT estimates of homelessness, as well as national estimates of homelessness by state, estimates of chronic homelessness, and estimates of homeless veterans. In addition, this report provides the national inventory of beds for homeless people in 2011.

In 2011, the PIT estimates of both homeless people and beds were reported by 432 Continuums of Care (CoC) nationwide, covering virtually the entire United States. CoCs reported their estimates to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via an on-line web portal that allows CoCs to upload their information directly to HUD. As part of their applications for funding, HUD requires CoCs to conduct counts of sheltered homeless people annually and counts of unsheltered homeless people every two years (odd-numbered years). HUD has standards for conducting the PIT counts, and CoCs use a variety of approved methods to produce the counts. HUD reviews the data for accuracy and quality prior to creating the estimates for this report.