2026 Point-in-Time Count

Overview

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a survey of the number of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on one single night. This count helps provide regional data to inform planning and the coordination of services necessary to meet local needs, measure progress in decreasing homelessness, and identify strengths and gaps within the community’s current homelessness response system. The 2026 PIT Count will be conducted on Thursday, January 22, 2026. You may view reports from previous Merced CoC PIT Counts here.

Contact Information

Phillip Schmauss

(209) 658-9558

mercedstreetcount@gmail.com

We Need You!

In order to make this effort successful, we need volunteers to go out into the community in groups to survey individuals experiencing homelessness. All volunteers will be trained prior to the event and will be given Care Package Kits to distribute.

How Can You Help?

  1. Volunteer to help conduct the 2026 PIT Count.

  2. Donate items needed to create the Care Package Kits

  3. See below for more information

Volunteers

Event Details

General Unsheltered PIT Count

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Time: 5:30 am - 9:00 am

Unsheltered Youth PIT Count

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Registration Information

Registration Open: November 3, 2025

Registration Close: January 9, 2026

Registration Link:

Training Sessions

Resources

  • 1. Register

    Complete the Volunteer Registration Form to sign-up as a volunteer for the 2026 PIT Count.

  • 2. Train

    Attend one of the eight available training sessions. They are available both in-person and virtually.

  • 3. Test Your Knowledge

    During the training you will be asked to submit practice surveys with information provided by the presenter. Test your knowledge by entering the surveys and passing a short quiz.

  • 4. Report to the Deployment Center

    Arrive at your designated deployment center on the day of the count. Gather your team members and head to your area.

  • 5. Provide Feedback

    We would appreciate feedback on your experience so that we can improve future events.

During the count, Care Package Kits will be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness. We welcome and greatly appreciate donations to help assemble these kits. The following is a list of items that will be included. To ensure all items are packaged in time for distribution, please submit donations by Friday, January 9, 2026

Item Drop Off

Monday to Friday

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

ACE Overcomers - 661 Fairfield Drive, Merced, CA 95348

Items Needed

Antibacterial Wipes

Backpack/Drawstring

Ball Caps

Beanies

Blankets

Body Wash

Chap Stick

Clothing

Conditioner

Deodorant

Face Masks

Foot Powder

Item Scheduled Pickup

Monday to Friday

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Call Phil Schmauss at (209) 658-9558 to schedule a pickup appointment

Hair Comb/Brush

Hand Sanitizer

Hand Towels

Hygiene Wipes

Kleenex

Knit Hats

Lotion

Mittens

Mouthwash

Nail Clippers

Neosporin

Pads

Ponchos

Q-Tips

Razors

Shampoo

Shaving Cream

Socks

Sunscreen

Tampons

Toilet Paper

Toothbrush

Washcloth

Donations

  • Yes. Even if you have volunteered for the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in previous years, you are still required to complete the current year’s training. Each year, training is updated to reflect changes in methodology, survey tools, safety protocols, and HUD requirements. Completing training ensures all volunteers are fully prepared and consistent in their approach, which is essential for collecting accurate and reliable data.

  • Yes. Volunteers are welcome to request placement on the same team as someone they know. While we cannot guarantee every request, we will make every effort to accommodate team preferences whenever possible to help ensure a comfortable and positive volunteer experience.

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule your training date, please return to the volunteer registration page and update your selection. If you are unable to make changes through the registration page, you may also email mercedstreetcount@gmail.com to request a cancellation or reschedule.

  • At this time, we are not able to accept financial donations specifically for the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. We welcome and greatly appreciate contributions of supplies, which directly support the care kits provided during the count. Items may be dropped of to ACE Overcomers located at 661 Fairfield Drive, Merced, CA 95348. If you would like to schedule a pickup, please reach out to Phil Schmauss at (209) 658-9558.

  • We understand that schedules can change! If you are no longer able to volunteer, please email mercedstreetcount@gmail.com. While we’ll miss having you join us this year, we truly appreciate your willingness to participate and hope you’ll consider volunteering in the future.

  • Even if you can’t volunteer, you can still make a big difference! Donations of supplies for care kits are greatly appreciated and will be distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count. A list of the most needed items are included above. Your support helps us extend care and compassion while gathering this important data.