In partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Social Services Department, the City of San Luis Obispo's Homelessness Response Team encourages members of the community to volunteer in the 2026 Countywide Point-in-Time (PIT) Count taking place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
If interested, complete the PIT Count 2026 Volunteer Registration Form by clicking here.
Please do not register for this volunteer opportunity on Engage SLO.
After your registration form is received by the County of San Luis Obispo, a member of their team will be in touch. Information on how to get involved, training details, and other ways to help can be found on the County's Homeless Services Division website by clicking here. Questions regarding the 2026 Point-in-Time Count can be directed to project lead: Kari Howell, HMIS Program Manager at [email protected]
The last day to register as a volunteer for the 2026 PIT Count is Friday, January 9, 2026.
Please note the following important dates and details below (all of which can be found on the County's Homeless Services Division website):
What is the PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time Count, or PIT Count, is a comprehensive census of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. PIT Counts are required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are conducted every two years during the last 10 days of January. Hundreds of volunteers will be launching from 7 different ‘logistic centers’ throughout the County of San Luis Obispo to canvas the nearby areas. Small volunteer groups will be led by knowledgeable guides to conduct face-to-face interviews with people living unsheltered in various SLO County communities. All volunteers will be given the tools and training they need to have this be an informative experience for everyone involved.
When is the 2026 PIT Count?
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
Why does SLO County conduct a PIT Count?
The US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a biannual count of all people in SLO County’s Continuum of Care experiencing homelessness. HUD determines the Methodology and timing for the Point-in-Time Count to achieve nationwide consistency.
How does the County benefit from a PIT Count?
Conducting a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count meets federal and state requirements for funding opportunities as well as provides information that helps inform policy decisions and aids in public education efforts. A county-wide effort has the potential to drive the community’s will to address local homelessness.
What does the County do with the information learned during the PIT Count?
Information learned during the Point-in-Time Count is reported to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and to Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS) with the State of California. Additionally, a community report is created and shared with homeless service providers, government personnel, and city jurisdiction to inform priorities and funding opportunities.
What will the volunteer training provide?
All volunteers
complete a 2-hour training during the week of January 12th that
provides them with a sample script for administering the survey, the best
day-of practices including what to wear and where to go, emergency contact
information, and directions for utilizing the mobile app on the day of the
count.
Can people volunteer for the PIT Count without attending training?
No, not at this time. All volunteers will need to learn how to use the survey app and how to engage compassionately with the people being surveyed.
Register with the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division to support this important nation-wide effort to conduct a comprehensive count of individuals experiencing homelessness. Findings will measure the prevalence of homelessness and inform current and future policies and approaches for a safe, healthy, and engaged community.
The City of San Luis Obispo's Homelessness Response Team thanks you for your interest in serving our community through this large-scale volunteer effort!
