top of page
volunteer-2.jpg

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

Download our full 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

Volunteer

​

Volunteers are the backbone of the PIT Count. By joining a local team, you can help survey individuals experiencing homelessness, assist with logistics, or support outreach efforts in the field. Whether you’re walking through neighborhoods, helping with data entry, or distributing care kits, your time and presence make a real impact. If you’re willing to commit at least four hours, you can be a part of this critical effort.

2

Donate Supplies, Funds or Services

​

Support the PIT Count by donating essential items like hygiene kits, warm clothing, ready-to-eat foods, snacks, and water. You can also contribute professional services, such as photography or bilingual support. Purchase a PIT Count shirt or merchandise (click here) to directly support supplies, volunteer training, and outreach. Monetary donations are also welcomed.

3

Spread Awareness and Advocate

​

Help us get the word out. Share the purpose and importance of the PIT Count on social media, in your workplace, or within your community. Encouraging others to learn about the complexities of homelessness and to get involved is a powerful way to create change and even influence local, state and federal policy.

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.

Sign Up To Volunteer

Join us for the Central Florida Point-in-Time (PIT) Count!
Together, we will survey and connect with our unsheltered neighbors across the region — and your support as a volunteer makes this vital work possible.

2026 PIT Count Training Video

Volunteer Testimonies

“I had never seen a homeless camp [and] didn’t really know they existed. But seeing where they spend their days, how they spend their days, where they sleep, how they setup their “homes” — it was a real eye-opener. Being able to get out and meet them where they are was a really rewarding experience.”
Stay Up to Date

Read our previous newsletters:

bottom of page