PIT COUNT 2026
January 26-January 28, 2026
What is PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual effort to count how many people are experiencing homelessness on a single night in communities across the nation. Here in Central Florida, volunteers visit outdoor locations to collect basic information about individuals and families and interview them about their circumstances and challenges. This count is important because it helps communities understand the scope of homelessness, track trends over time, and develop programs and services to support those in need.
CoC FL-507
PIT Count Methodology
The Central Florida Commission on Homelessness (FL–507 CoC) conducts an annual, HUD-mandated Point in Time (PIT) Count during the last 10 days of January to measure sheltered and unsheltered homelessness across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.
Using a “night of the count” approach, sheltered individuals are identified through a full census using Homeless Management Information System data and provider surveys, while unsheltered individuals are counted through a combination of street outreach and service-based surveys conducted by trained volunteers over three days. Volunteers reference mapped “known locations” and administer verbal digital questionnaires with participant consent, ensuring de-duplication through self-reporting and identifiers.
While voluntary participation and logistical challenges mean the count likely underestimates true homelessness, especially among unsheltered populations, the results—published annually with only de-identified, aggregate data—provide critical insight into community needs and service utilization.
How to Support the Count
1
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
2
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
3
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
Volunteers -
Register Here!
By volunteering, you help ensure that every person experiencing homelessness is counted, which influences funding, resources, and policy decisions that can provide housing, support services, and hope. Participation also raises awareness, builds community empathy, and helps local organizations better understand where help is most needed.