Homelessness is one of Pierce County’s ‘critical challenges.’ Here’s how you can help
Pierce County is looking for volunteers to help conduct is annual survey of those living unhoused in the region.
The survey, known as the Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, relies on volunteers to gather information that helps inform the county’s homeless response.
During the count, human service professionals and volunteers survey people experiencing homelessness, including individuals living in shelters, vehicles and outdoors.
“Addressing homelessness is one of the most critical challenges facing our society today,” said Heather Moss, Pierce County Human Services director. “We use the PIT Count as a tool to engage our neighbors experiencing homelessness and learn about their circumstances. I encourage community members to join us so they can learn more about the people experiencing homelessness and help us continue working towards solutions.”
Pierce County uses the data to better understand why people become homeless, guide the region’s strategic response in addressing the issue, plan programs and services and track trends over time.
The PIT Count is one of the most important data-collection opportunities for the county to better understand a largely unseen population. It also gives volunteers an opportunity to make contact with those living unhoused and offer resources.
According to Human Services, about 250 volunteers helped conduct the survey in January 2024. During a single night, volunteers and professionals counted 2,661 people sleeping in shelters, vehicles and in tents on the streets. The previous year, 2,148 people were counted.
According to Pierce County, volunteers can help by attending events during the PIT Count or through surveying people experiencing homelessness from Jan. 30-31, 2025.
Volunteers can apply online and sign up for two- or four-hour shifts. Eligible participants must attend one of in-person or virtual training. Volunteers must be over 18 years old, have access to a smart phone and commit to attend a training.
Dates for training are listed here, with in-person locations to be determined:
▪ Thursday, Jan. 9, 9-10:30 a.m.
▪ Monday, Jan. 13, 12:30-2 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
▪ Thursday, Jan. 16, 2-3:30 p.m.
▪ Saturday, Jan. 18, 10-11:30 a.m. or 2-3:30 p.m.
▪ Thursday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual trainings:
▪ Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 2-3:30 p.m.
▪ Friday, Jan. 17, 12:30-2 p.m.
▪ Tuesday, Jan. 21, 9-10:30 a.m.
▪ Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
▪ Thursday, Jan. 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
According to the county, people unable to volunteer can help by donating new items such as space blankets, hats, socks, gloves, hygiene kits and hand warmers to the Pierce County Human Services office, 3602 Pacific Ave., Suite #200 in Tacoma. Donations must be dropped off during business hours by Jan. 27.
