Volunteer registration is now open!

The Point-in-Time Count is a community effort that requires participation from many volunteers! In 2025, the CoC sent 135 volunteers to geographies across Buncombe County to administer surveys. Interested volunteers have two options to participate in canvassing:

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 9:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

Use the buttons below to choose a canvassing location or team for Tuesday night, Wednesday morning, or both! Once registered, you will receive follow up communications from Lead Agency staff with more information about training and day-of details. Please reach out to homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov with any questions.

What is the Point-in-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual census of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness that provides the community with a "snapshot" of data for the last Tuesday in January. While it is imperfect, it does provide comparable year-over -year data. 

The PIT Count is a Federal requirement for CoCs to remain compliant and can influence funding processes, but it is also an opportunity to hear from people who may not otherwise have a way to be heard. Volunteers will administer surveys to understand where people stayed on the evening of January 27, 2026. Surveys include both Federally required data points, like demographic information, as well as local questions intended to inform local strategy and resource allocation to best meet the needs of people living outside.

Want to learn more about the PIT Count before you sign up to volunteer? Watch the recorded Lunch + Learn that took place earlier this fall and provides more in-depth information about the Count. 

Spread the Word

Please invite your friends and communities to participate as volunteers during this year's Count! It is also helpful to share the news that the Count is happening widely in the community to help capture as much data as possible.Use the button below to access a printable half-page flyer intended to help folks who might be surveyed know what to expect. 

Please email homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov or call 828-747-8168 with any questions or to request a paper copy of any forms linked in this newsletter.

Member Engagement Voicemail: call 828-271-6161