Local community partners are calling for volunteers to assist with the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a nationwide effort that documents the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This year’s count will take place on Jan. 28, 2026, and Dent County is urging residents to participate in order to ensure that the community receives accurate data, improved services, and essential funding.
The PIT Count is a federally required survey coordinated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Volunteers work in teams to gather information from people staying in shelters, sleeping outdoors, or living in places not meant for habitation. This data helps measure the scope of homelessness in Dent County and informs how local, state, and federal resources are allocated.
Why volunteers are needed
Volunteers are the backbone of the PIT Count. Dent County spans a large rural area, making it challenging for outreach workers to reach all locations where individuals may be living without stable housing. By volunteering, community members help ensure the count is as accurate and complete as possible.
• Conducting brief, respectful surveys
• Providing resource information
• Distributing essential items such as snacks, hygiene products, and cold-weather supplies
• Helping identify areas where people without shelter may be staying
No previous experience is required. Training, materials, and safety guidance will be provided.
How an accurate count benefits Dent County
A complete PIT Count directly affects Dent County’s ability to:
• Secure federal and state funding, including resources for housing programs, shelter services, mental health support, and crisis outreach
• Identify service gaps so local agencies can better support individuals and families experiencing homelessness
• Plan for long-term community development, including emergency shelter planning, rapid rehousing, affordable housing initiatives, and partnerships with local agencies
• Strengthen grant applications, as funders require documented need to justify investment
Accurate numbers help Dent County advocate for programs that reduce homelessness, support public safety, and improve overall community well-being.
Consequences of not completing the count
When a community fails to complete the PIT Count or submits incomplete data, the effects are significant:
• Loss of critical funding: Inaccurate or missing numbers can make Dent County appear to have little or no need, resulting in fewer resources for the region.
• Reduced services: Without data, agencies struggle to maintain outreach programs, shelter capacity, and case management support.
• Invisible populations: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness may go unseen, leading to fewer prevention services and long-term instability.
• Weak planning efforts: Local governments, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits rely on PIT data to plan effectively. Without it, community strategies become guesswork rather than data-driven.
Completing the PIT Count ensures that Dent County’s needs are recognized and addressed at the regional, state, and federal levels.
How to volunteer
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and willing to attend a brief training session. Individuals, businesses, faith groups, and civic organizations are encouraged to participate.
