
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
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?
Volunteer to help conduct the 2026 PIT Count.
Donate items needed to create the Care Package Kits
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
Tuesday, January 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm (Virtual) Microsoft Teams
Tuesday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm (Virtual) Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm (Virtual) Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, January 6, 2026 at 6:00 pm (Virtual) Microsoft Teams
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm (In-person) | Merced County Human Services Agency Cafeteria 2115 Wardrobe Ave, Merced, CA 95341
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm (In-person) | Merced County Human Services Agency Cafeteria 2115 Wardrobe Ave, Merced, CA 95341
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1:00 pm (In-person) | ACE Overcomers 661 Fairfield Dr, Merced, CA 95348
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm (In-person) | Bethel Community Church 415 I St, Los Banos, CA 93635
Resources
Area Maps
Counting Us Application Setup Instructions
Training PowerPoint Handout
Training PowerPoint Full Slides
Recommended Volunteer Supplies
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1. Register
Complete the Volunteer Registration Form to sign-up as a volunteer for the 2026 PIT Count.
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2. Train
Attend one of the eight available training sessions. They are available both in-person and virtually.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.