Calling all volunteers: Annual Point in Time Count returns Jan. 22

Partnership Home is seeking volunteers to help conduct the annual Point in Time Count (PIT), a nationwide effort that provides a one-night snapshot of homelessness across every community in the country.

This year’s count will take place Thursday, Jan. 22, and organizers estimate they’ll need around 500 volunteers to survey individuals living in unsheltered locations throughout Tarrant County.

The annual PIT is a critical tool for understanding the scope of homelessness in an area and identifying what resources the community may need. Data collected during the event helps local leaders shape strategies and investments to reduce homelessness and improve support services.

How does it work?

Volunteers sign up as individuals or form their own teams. Anyone without a team will be paired with one on the night of the event. Volunteers participate as part of a group while canvassing assigned routes, identifying and interviewing people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Mandatory training will be provided on the evening of the count.

View an informative video:

Volunteer requirements

Must be available Jan. 22 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Must be 18 years old (by the night of the count).

Teams must include three to five people.

Teams must have access to at least one smartphone.

Each volunteer must complete their own registration form.

Teams are encouraged to travel together in a single vehicle, if possible.

Event details

Check-in on Jan. 22 begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by mandatory training at 7 p.m. Volunteers will then be deployed to their assigned areas with the support of trained team leaders and, in many cases, police officers for safety. Each participant will be required to complete a volunteer agreement and waiver.

Volunteers can sign up to be based out of one of three locations:

Fort Worth

Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex

505 W. Felix St., Fort Worth, TX 76115

Arlington

Arlington Housing Works

501 W. Sanford St., Suite 20, Arlington, TX 76011

Northeast Tarrant

Tarrant County Hands of Hope

11301 N. Riverside Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76244

Find more information or register.

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