Organizers across Dallas and Collin counties are making a final push for volunteers and donations ahead of the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a federally required census of individuals experiencing homelessness scheduled for the night of Thursday, Jan. 22.

The PIT count is conducted nationwide each January by Housing Forward, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s designated lead agency for Dallas and Collin counties, in collaboration with the All Neighbors Coalition.

Data collected during the count is used to measure the scope of homelessness, track trends over time and help communities evaluate the effectiveness of housing and support programs. The results also play a key role in securing federal funding and shaping long-term strategies aimed at making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.

Collin County organizers say additional volunteers are still needed to ensure full coverage. Volunteers are paired with experienced outreach workers and receive training, detailed instructions and a kickoff briefing on the night of the count. No prior experience is required.

Organizers are also seeking donations of gender-neutral care packages to distribute to individuals encountered during the count. Donations are due by Friday, with drop-off locations available throughout both counties. Information on volunteering, donating and training is available at housingforward.pointintime.info.

In Wylie, Jon Bailey, executive director of Hope for the Cities, said the local PIT count has enough volunteers in place, but are “trying to have someone who is Spanish speaking on each team as well.” Teams will be in the field for two to three hours conducting surveys and offering resources such as toiletries, coats and snacks.

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