The PIT Count is held once each year in January and relies on trained volunteers to survey and identify people experiencing homelessness within Plano.
The City of Plano will conduct its annual Homeless Census — formally known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count — on Thursday, Jan. 22, as part of a nationwide effort to gather data on individuals experiencing homelessness.
The PIT Count is held once each year in January and relies on trained volunteers to survey and identify people experiencing homelessness within Plano. The information collected helps the city better understand local needs and guide future responses.
Volunteers will meet at the Plano Municipal Center at 6:45 p.m. for check-in, team assignments and a required one-hour training session. During the training, participants will learn how to use the Counting Us app, review safety best practices and go over survey procedures. Afterward, teams will receive maps designating specific areas of the city to canvass.
Volunteer teams, most of which will be accompanied by a Plano police officer for safety and familiarity with assigned areas, are scheduled to begin the census between 8 and 8:30 p.m. Field work will conclude by midnight, with all materials returned to city staff by 12:15 a.m.
Each team will include several designated roles, including a driver, navigator and time manager, a point-of-contact to conduct surveys, an app manager to record responses, and a photographer or care-package handler responsible for distributing resources and documenting the team’s work.
Those interested in participating must create an individual account and register for the opportunity once sign-ups open. After registering, volunteers will be contacted by the city with instructions for completing a background check. Final group assignments and confirmations will be sent closer to the event date.
According to the city, volunteers play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and success of the annual count. City officials say participation directly supports ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the Plano community.