Volunteers needed for 2026 Point in Time homelessness count in metro Phoenix

PHOENIX — Valley leaders are calling for volunteers to help track the number of people experiencing homelessness across metro Phoenix.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) will carry out its annual Point in Time (PIT) homelessness count before sunrise on Jan. 27.

More than 1,000 volunteers will spread throughout the region to check streets, alleys, doorways, parks and riverbeds as part of the yearly effort to capture a one‑night snapshot of homelessness in the area.

The PIT count will also include the number of people staying in shelters that same night. Volunteers will also conduct short surveys with people they encounter.

Maricopa County’s 2026 homelessness count places special emphasis on unhoused youth

This year’s count will be a little different. Along with the regular Point in Time count, there will be a longer, specialized count focused on youth experiencing homelessness in the Valley.

The youth count starts on Jan. 27, the same day as the Point in Time count, and continues through Feb. 13.

Because young people often aren’t found in the same places as adults and may need different outreach approaches, the extended timeline helps ensure a more accurate count. Organizations that work with youth are encouraged to take part.

El Mirage Mayor and MAC Regional Council Chair Alexis Hermosillo said the homelessness count is essential for helping Valley leaders identify what resources unhoused people need.

“Homelessness may look like a centralized issue, only impacting the larger cities in our region. But we know homelessness is a Valley-wide challenge that needs to be solved collectively,” Hermosillo said in a press release. “The count is extremely valuable for determining how many people need resources and what type of resources are needed the most.”

Last year’s homelessness count found a 3 percent annual increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County.

How to volunteer to help conduct 2026 PIT homelessness count in Maricopa County

Those who want to help county leaders better understand homelessness are urged to contact their local PIT coordinator. A list of contacts for each city can be found here.

Each coordinator will provide volunteers information about training sessions, count locations and what to expect on count day. If your jurisdiction isn’t on the list, contact MAG via email.

It’s valuable work, according to Tim Burch, Tempe Community Health and Human Services director and co-chair of the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care Board

“It determines how much federal funding we can compete for, guides how we direct resources to providers and gives us a baseline to measure our progress year over year,” Burch said in the release.

Data from the 2026 homelessness count will be available in late spring.

“The count also sends a message that our community is paying attention — that every person experiencing homelessness matters and deserves to be seen,” Burch said. “This year’s addition of a specialized youth count reflects that same commitment.”

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