January means it’s time to conduct a required Point-in-Time (PIT) homelessness census, which is a national effort regularly gathering critical data that guides strategic response efforts. In Thurston County, trained volunteers assist with this important survey, plus they help with a winter clothing drive and assembling hygiene kits to distribute to persons in need.
For 2026, the PIT Count homelessness census will be conducted the night of January 29. This means interviewees contacted through the survey period of January 30 through February 5 will be asked about their housing situation for the night of January 29. While the count represents a single night, the process of gathering the information takes place over several days to do outreach, hold events, and conduct the census. Homeless Response Program Manager, Jackie Valasco in the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department’s Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention, says the census will happen rain, shine, snow or atmospheric river.
The PIT Count data are submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are used to inform funding allocations, policy decisions, and system performance assessments at the local, state and national levels. The PIT data are also submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Volunteer Opportunities Before and During Thurston County Point-in-Time Homelessness Census
Volunteers are an essential component. Last year, 38 volunteers helped with the count. Volunteers are needed again for 2026 and can sign up online through United Way. Volunteers will sort donated clothes, assemble hygiene kits, and assist with conducting the survey and associated events. Volunteers’ training covers PIT census requirements and provides trauma-informed engagement information to help surveyors respond to interviewees’ circumstances. Thurston County and United Way have scheduled several outreach and resource events to support the PIT Count homelessness census.
- Donate Winter Clothes: December 29, 2025-January 23, 2026. New or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and other winter items in all sizes, with adult sizes M-XXL most needed. Drop off in collection bins at Thurston County Offices, 3000 Pacific Ave. (The Atrium) and 412 Lilly Road NE (Public Health & Social Services) during business hours.
- Receive PIT Count Volunteer Training: January 14, 2026, 9 a.m.; January 20, 2026, 12 p.m.; and January 26, 2026, 5 p.m. PIT Count surveyors must attend a training session. Sessions are online via Zoom and take about two hours.
- Assist With the PIT Count and Associated Events: Sort clothing, assemble hygiene kits, and help walk participants through taking the census survey.
Thurston County and United Way Lead Required Local Point-in-Time Homelessness Census
HUD and the state require a statewide count of all persons staying in temporary housing programs (sheltered count) and places not meant for human habitation (unsheltered count). The 2025 PIT Count identified 883 individuals experiencing homelessness in Thurston County, including 389 unsheltered individuals, 454 in emergency shelter and 40 in transitional housing. While historically an annual count, after 2026, the survey will be conducted every other year. Thurston County contracts with United Way of Thurston County as the lead and works with other organizations to roll out the PIT Count process.
Velasco explains that preparations began in late summer, such as identifying sites where volunteers will survey those experiencing homelessness. “We try to have site placements where we know people frequent,” she says. She explains that the locations include shelters, places where people may be camping, or other settings identified by the provider network. “We try to be mindful of where we can get to people and capture their experience,” Velasco adds.
Planners also determine what is to be covered in the volunteers’ training, and organize the winter clothing drive and hygiene kit assemblies. Persons surveyed are offered winter clothing and a personal hygiene kit with supplies donated by United Way. “Since we are asking people (about their housing situation), we try to make it one step since they are sharing information with us–we want to provide something useful for them,” says Velasco.
To volunteer for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count homelessness census or associated activities, sign up through United Way. And to stay updated on PIT news, follow Thurston County Public Health & Social Services on social media.
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThurstonHealth
- Instagram: @thurstonhealth
- X (Twitter): @thurstonhealth
- Threads:@thurstonhealth
Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention
360.867.2500
United Way of Thurston County – 2026 PIT Coordinator
jmceachern@unitedway-thurston.org
Sponsored
