WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —  Across the nation, communities are preparing for the annual Point-In-Time count.

The Point-In-Time count gives a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness on one night in January

According to the HUD’s 2020 PIT count data, there were 9,280 people without homes in N.C.

PIT counts will happen toward the end of this month

It gives a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness on one night in January.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s most recent PIT count from 2020, there were 9,280 people without homes in North Carolina.

Winston-Salem Homeless Caucus alternate chair Samuel Gavurin said the count merely scratches the surface of the issue because it only sees those who choose to be found.

“There are individuals who, for whatever reason, they don’t want to be seen. They don’t want to be recognized. They feel that if someone counts them they might get reported to [the] police,” Gavurin said.“There are individuals who, for whatever reason, they don’t want to be seen. They don’t want to be recognized. They feel that if someone counts them they might get reported to [the] police,” Gavurin said.

He does his best to advocate for the homeless in Winston-Salem on issues including tenant’s rights, homelessness prevention and breaking barriers that keep people from getting the help they need. He has an apartment now, but he vividly remembers when he was homeless. That personal experience fuels his advocacy.

“I used to be ignorant of what was … the greater picture. Now that I’ve been in it, and I see it, I’m just trying to do what I can to be a voice for those who otherwise would not have a voice,” Gavurin said.

His dream is to start his own advocacy center to keep people from being hidden in plain sight. Gavurin encourages the community to avoid stereotyping those who are homeless and to remember that each life, seen or unseen, is important.

Point-In-Time counts will take place toward the end of January.