|
Oakland, CA - Today, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, and City of Oakland leaders and community partners, in partnership with Alameda County, invitedresidents to participate in the bi-annual Point in Time (PIT) Count on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This crucial event helps us understand the scale of homelessness in our community. The City is seeking 500 volunteers to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful count. Volunteer participation matters, as an accurate count helps ensure funding for homelessness solutions.
SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE: https://alameda.pointintime.info/Please be sure to select OAKLAND for your service location.
“The bi-annual Point in Time Homeless Count is a critical opportunity for us to understand the scale of homelessness in Oakland. We're asking 500 volunteers to help carry out this count. That's not a small ask, but homelessness is not a small problem. To achieve real solutions, we need data,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “The bi-annual Point in Time Count enables us to better allocate resources and implement effective programs to tackle this issue head-on. Homelessness affects all of us; solving it will also take all of us.”
"The Point in Time Count is so critical for volunteers to support," said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. "For just a few hours a day, a volunteer can contribute time that will lead to tangible resources for the City of Oakland. These resources will create real solutions for our unsheltered population."
"If you are wondering why so many Oaklanders are experiencing homelessness and what you can do about it, volunteering for the PIT Count is a great way to learn and get involved," said Sasha Hauswald, Oakland's Chief Housing Policy Officer.
"The Point in Time Count is as important as the US Census," said Sharon Cornu, Executive Director, Saint Mary's Center. "The Point in Time Count helps us understand where to deliver services andhow toallocate resources. It'salso an important myth-buster. In prior years, it has told us that eight out of ten people experiencing homelessness were last housed in the community where they are now unhoused."
The Point in Time Count is an estimated census of people experiencing homelessness, including both sheltered and unsheltered individuals in a 24-hour period.The City of Oakland’s role in the 2026 PIT Count will be to conduct the counting of the portion of Oakland’s unsheltered individuals i.e., those living outside in vehicles, encampments, and other locations considered uninhabitable.
Volunteer participation is key to the success of the PIT Count. Volunteers help in surveying, data collection, and engagement with the homeless community. Volunteers will be requested to work in shifts between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and will be asked to download a mobile app called Counting Us. Prior to the count, volunteers will receive training on how to properly survey individuals, best practices, and safety measures while out in the community.
Why is the PIT Count Important?
- Allocates Resources: It helps determine the allocation of funding and resources for homeless services.
- Informs Policy: PIT count data is vital in shaping effective homelessness policies and programs.
- Raises Awareness: The count increases community awareness about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness
Data from the PIT Count is used to:
- Guide Decisions: Inform local government and non-profits in developing strategies to address homelessness.
- Support Services: Enhance the capacity and quality of services provided to the homeless population.
- Track Progress: Measure the changes of the homelessness population and the effectiveness of current interventions and identify areas for improvement.
We Need:
- Individuals: Volunteer and bring your compassion and commitment to make a difference.
- Private Sector: Show your corporate social responsibility by encouraging employee participation.
- Community Organizations: Encourage employee participation and collaborate with us to strengthen our community's response to homelessness.
Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/pitcount
###
|