PIT COUNT 2026

We’re excited to announce that the Central Florida Point-in-Time (PIT) Count volunteer page is officially open!

Join us in making a meaningful impact by helping survey unsheltered neighbors across our region on Monday, Jan. 26, through Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

✔️ Multiple launch sites

✔️ Flexible shift options

✔️ Training provided

✔️ No experience needed—just heart, compassion, and a willingness to serve

Sign up today and be part of this community-wide effort! Spots fill quickly — reserve yours now.

Getting ready for the Central Florida PIT Count!

All volunteers are required to complete a brief training before participating. A training video will be posted soon and will stay available through January. As soon as it’s live, we’ll send you the link and all the details so you’ll be ready to make an impact!

We’re also hosting two live Q&A sessions to answer your questions:

• Virtual: January 15 (evening)
• Hybrid: January 21 (midday)

The training will equip you with everything you need: safety protocols, trauma-informed engagement, survey tools, and what to do in the field.

Stay informed and get all the latest updates at www.cfch.org/pitcount.

A Mission-Driven Experience

Volunteers will help gather critical data by surveying unsheltered neighbors throughout Central Florida. This information can directly shape funding, services, and policy decisions for the year ahead.

Required Training

As described above, all volunteers must complete a brief training before participating.

Day-of Check-In

Volunteers will:

• Arrive at their assigned launch site on time.
• Check in with the Team Lead or Launch Site Coordinator.
• Pick up materials (maps, lanyards, donations, and/or supplies).
• Be grouped into teams of 3 people at max.

Communication on the day of the count will occur via SMS, so volunteers must opt-in to receive text messages.

What the Field Work Looks Like

Depending on their shift:

• Volunteers will be walking or driving pre-assigned routes guided by the Team Leads.
• They will approach individuals respectfully, introduce the purpose of the count, and ask if they’re willing to participate. *It is possible that Volunteers may not encounter someone to count. That's okay.
• Volunteers will complete surveys using a mobile app.
• Teams will identify locations where unsheltered individuals are staying, even if someone doesn’t choose to engage.
• Most shifts run 3-4 hours.

Safety and Comfort

Volunteers should:

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. We ask that volunteers wear a navy-colored shirt.
• Bring a water bottle, small bag, and any personal essentials.
• Not approach unsafe situations — Team Leads will provide clear guidance on when to call for support.

Teams always stay together; no one is sent out alone.

Respectful, Trauma-Informed Engagement

Volunteers are trained to:

• Use nonjudgmental, people-first language.
• Respect personal boundaries.
• Keep interactions brief, kind, and voluntary.
• Offer resource cards or incentives if applicable.

After the Shift

Volunteers will return to the launch site to:

• Return your lanyards.
• Debrief with the Team Lead.
• Share observations that may help improve future outreach.

Post–PIT Count Follow-Up

Following the event, volunteers will receive a short volunteer feedback survey by email. This survey helps the team improve training, logistics, outreach routes, and future PIT Count processes. Everyone is encouraged to complete it — your insight directly strengthens next year’s count.

What is the PIT Count?

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual effort to document how many people are experiencing homelessness on a single night in communities across the nation. Here in Central Florida, shelter operators provide data on the number of people staying in their facilities, while 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.

When is PIT Count 2026?

The PIT Count is Monday, January 26, to Wednesday, January 28, 2026. There will be a variety of shifts available, based on the capacity of the respective launch sites.

What will I do?

PIT Count volunteers will go out into the community with a Team Lead and complete a survey with people experiencing homelessness who are willing to talk. No prior experience is required, and all volunteers will receive brief training in advance. Each volunteer will sign up for a 4-hour shift at a survey location in Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County. (You may sign up for more than one shift if you like.) Bring friends, family members (over age 18), and colleagues!

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering for the PIT count gives you first-hand experience speaking with and learning from people experiencing homelessness. Many volunteers describe the experience as eye-opening and a great way to connect with the community. The PIT Count is an excellent opportunity to participate in a system-level effort to end homelessness. Since the count is conducted entirely by volunteers, we couldn't do it without you.

I can't volunteer. How else can I help?

We are looking for donors to provide financial support or in-kind donations of basic necessities to give out to participants. Reach out to us here.