As Pierce County grapples with a steadily rising homeless population, officials are once again calling on community volunteers to aid in the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count set for the end of January. The count, which is described as critical in understanding the scale of homelessness, will take place on January 29-30, according to a recent announcement by Pierce County Human Services (PCHS). Last year's PIT Count reported 2,955 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking an 11% jump from the year before and doubling figures since 2015.
County Executive Ryan Mello emphasized the importance of the PIT Count in Pierce County's fight against homelessness, stating, "As housing costs continue to gradually rise, the PIT Count gives us crucial insight into how many people are being pushed to the edge." Volunteers are to play a key role in conducting surveys and interacting with the homeless population, collecting data that will directly shape policies and funding for housing and support services.
Interested volunteers must satisfy a few requirements: be at least 18 years old, possess a smartphone, and attend a training session offered both in-person and virtually. For those unable to volunteer directly with the count, PCHS is accepting donations of winter essentials like coats, socks, and hygiene products, which can be delivered to their office on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma by January 27, as informed by Pierce County Human Services.
In the wake of severe weather and flooding that have recently battered Washington state, the urgency of supporting vulnerable populations has never been clearer. Gary Gant, Human Services director, highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating, "Addressing homelessness requires collaboration, and our volunteers are essential partners in this effort." This sentiment comes as street outreach providers have been closely working with disaster response teams to assist those affected by the floods, further underlining the compounded risks faced by the homeless during extreme weather scenarios.
The PIT Count is more than merely an annual engagement; it is the foundation for a strategic approach to housing and support service planning in Pierce County. The visible commitment from volunteers not only aids in data collection but also embodies the compassion and support necessary to drive meaningful progress in the community's battle against homelessness.
