Volunteers will use a mobile phone app to record the number of people they encounter who said they would be sleeping outdoors or in vehicles. Designed by Freepik, www.freepik.com

 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Want to help Sacramento better understand and address homelessness? You’re invited to volunteer for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count.

This community effort will not only help to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Sacramento region but will also help us to: understand why people in our community become homeless; create better policies, programs and services; track progress in reducing homelessness and secure federal funding which supports local shelters and services.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count will be held 5–11 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27. Registration is required by Jan. 15.

“While it captures only a snapshot in time, the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count offers valuable, community-wide participation and insight. It helps us better understand homelessness in our region and ensures our community can continue accessing funding that directly supports our neighbors who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” said Dr. Trenton Simmons, chief program officer of Sacramento Steps Forward.  

No experience is required for volunteers, with mini training video segments and other materials provided ahead of the nights of the count to help volunteers know what to expect. Volunteers will meet at one central location before heading out to predetermined routes across the County.

Volunteers will use a mobile phone app to record the number of people they encounter who said they would be sleeping outdoors or in vehicles. They also will conduct a brief survey with those willing to participate to better understand who is experiencing homelessness in Sacramento, for how long and what kinds of services could best assist them.

While volunteers focus on people living unsheltered outdoors, the overall Point-in-Time (PIT) Count includes those staying in respite centers and shelters.

To canvass, a volunteer must be at least 18 years old, be willing to travel by foot and car to predetermined locations and be willing to use their personal smartphone and flashlight.

Ready to be part of resolving homelessness in our community? Register now at www.sacramentostepsforward.org/data-and-analytics/2026-sacramento-point-in-time-count/