On January 27, 2026, over 240 dedicated volunteers took to the streets of San Luis Obispo County to conduct the biennial Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an essential effort to assess homelessness in the area. This initiative, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to provide a comprehensive overview of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Volunteers began their early morning walk at 5:30 a.m., covering diverse locations from San Miguel to the Santa Maria Riverbed.
The PIT Count combines volunteer observations with data from local homeless service providers to create an accurate snapshot of homelessness. According to Kari Howell, homeless management information system program manager for San Luis Obispo County, “This is the nation’s largest comprehensive census of people experiencing homelessness.” The data collected is crucial for informing local and federal responses to homelessness, including funding allocations.
Volunteers Trained for Compassionate Engagement
Before heading out, volunteers assembled at seven logistics centers throughout the county. Each group was paired with at least one trained homeless services worker. They underwent a two-hour training session focused on using a mobile app for surveys and engaging respectfully with individuals experiencing homelessness. Howell emphasized the importance of a compassionate approach, stating, “Volunteers are encouraged to greet individuals from afar in a friendly way.”
Cecil Hale, homeless services manager at Community Action Partnership SLO (CAPSLO), led one volunteer team through downtown San Luis Obispo, covering approximately five miles. This team managed to interact with 15 individuals and conduct 10 interviews during their outreach. Both Howell and Hale highlighted the collaborative nature of this initiative, showcasing the community’s commitment to understanding and addressing homelessness.
Hale, who has dedicated 14 years to homeless services, described the experience as a profound privilege. “It’s rewarding to see someone go from a tent in a field to moving into housing and receiving their new keys,” he remarked.
Early Start to Reach Vulnerable Populations
The early start of the count is strategic. Howell explained that beginning at dawn allows volunteers to engage with individuals living in vehicles, a growing segment of the homeless population, before they leave for work or relocate. Volunteers were assigned specific census tracks, ensuring comprehensive geographic coverage by walking for a minimum of three hours.
The data collected during the PIT Count is vital for local and federal homelessness response efforts. Howell noted, “We review the data in-house, de-duplicate surveys, and submit aggregate results to HUD.” The county anticipates releasing the findings from the 2026 count as early as spring, enabling agencies and policymakers to act swiftly based on the information.
In the previous count conducted in 2024, the PIT Count identified 1,175 individuals experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. Notably, 68 percent of these individuals were unsheltered, while 72 percent were sheltered. The majority were situated in the cities of San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, and Atascadero.
Hale emphasized the significance of humanizing the statistics. “These individuals are someone’s child, parent, or sibling. They just need a little help to get back into society,” he stated.
For those interested in learning more about the PIT Count or exploring volunteer opportunities in the future, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
