As we get closer to the 2013 Point-in-Time (PIT) count HUD wanted to inform communities that we are reaching out to several Federal partners and other organizations to encourage greater coordination and involvement. HUD is encouraging volunteers to contact their CoC Primary Contacts to learn how to assist with the PIT and other opportunities in their communities. CoCs should take the time to ensure that their contact information on HUD’s Homelessness Resource Exchange (HRE) is current. If the CoC contact information needs to be updated, please submit a Virtual Help Desk question on the HRE to make the appropriate change. HUD asks that each CoC prepare ahead of time to know how to utilize the services of volunteers. 
 
HUD is happy to announce that the 2013 PIT count is listed as one of the service opportunities associated with the annual celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day of Service, which is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Though the 2013 count will occur after the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (January 21, 2013), the PIT count is the kind of event that is encouraged in the MLK celebration and volunteers will be encouraged to participate in the count. 
 
At a time when many Americans will seek to engage in service to honor the life and teachings of Dr. King, it could be a great time to recruit new individuals and organizations to join your efforts. In addition to bringing the extra personnel you may need to administer your PIT, you can also introduce potential new champions to your important work.
 
HUD also encourages you to post your volunteer opportunities at MLKDay.gov so that individuals in your community who seek to honor Dr. King through service will find your opportunities. It is a simple process and one that we hope will prove useful. Just go to MLKDay.gov and click on Register Now. Please make sure to follow the instructions about including the relevant King Day words in your title or description so that your opportunities will be discoverable in King Day specific searches.
 
HUD encourages communities to use www.serve.gov as a tool for recruiting volunteers both for the PIT count as well as other volunteer needs in the community year-round. Volunteer projects entered through MLKDay.gov will be searchable at that site as well as through Serve.gov. Serve.gov is the online home for volunteer mobilization for the President’s Call to Service initiative, United We Serve.