Charlotte-Mecklenburg is gearing up for the annual Point in Time Count, a crucial event aimed at assessing the scale of homelessness in the region. Set to take place on Jan. 22, 2026, this effort involves a myriad of volunteers who take to the streets to survey the shelterless and connect them to vital resources. The upcoming headcount kicks off with a Community Conversation featuring Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., the Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, an individual who has not only witnessed but endured the grip of homelessness and addiction himself. The event, as detailed by MeckNC News, is scheduled for next Wednesday at the McColl Center.
Those looking to participate are advised to register in advance, particularly given Whitehead's prominence as an advocate who has, over a span of thirty years, notably come to represent the struggle against homelessness. As per the same article by MeckNC News, the kick-off event aims not only to discuss the realities of homelessness but also to begin to recruit the volunteer force necessary to effectively carry out the enumeration.
Conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is more than a mere tally; it is a critical tool that provides an annually updated snapshot of the state of homelessness across the United States. The key objectives to not only estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness but also to grasp their demographic characteristics and living situations, as outlined by MeckNC News.
Last year’s PIT Count flagged a concerning increase, documenting 444 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, which represented a 16% surge and the highest unsheltered count since 2010. This data, alongside the 'One Number' benchmark which revealed 2,430 men, women, and children as experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness as of Sept. 30, 2025, underscores an ongoing need. The Board of County Commissioners is looking to address this need, channeling over $30 million into homelessness and affordable housing in its current year's budget, as MeckNC News reported.
Concerned citizens and those interested in volunteering can email [email protected] for more information. Those registering for the kick-off event will have the opportunity to engage directly with Whitehead and learn more about how they can support the Count, which continues to be a crucial barometer in gauging and responding to the needs of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's most vulnerable populations.
