Urgent Call for Volunteers: Help Transform Lives at Tucson’s Annual Homeless Count!

Approximately 360 volunteers are being sought for January’s point-in-time count, an initiative aimed at quantifying the homeless population in Pima County.

Every year, volunteers rise early to conduct an assessment of individuals experiencing homelessness, whether they are unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing. This year, the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH) is urging community members to get involved. “Volunteers will conduct surveys to collect data by meeting them where they are—this could be at bus stops, meal sites, vacant buildings, or encampments,” TPCH stated.

The previous count revealed there were an estimated 2,102 people facing homelessness in the Tucson region. Out of this number, 821 were in emergency shelters or temporary housing, while 1,281 individuals were residing outdoors in parks and encampments. Although this figure represents a 15 percent decrease from the previous year, it still indicates a staggering 53 percent increase since 2019.

Local officials believe that Pima County is in urgent need of 1,200 additional shelter beds to adequately support its homeless population. Despite ongoing advocacy efforts to alleviate homelessness, new legislation may impact future solutions. As of next year, Arizona residents could potentially claim a refund on their property taxes, should they prove that their city permitted loitering, camping, and drug use by nearby homeless individuals, following the passage of Proposition 312. This measure received 58.6 percent approval, but its practical implications on local budgets remain uncertain as officials await necessary legal frameworks.

The data collected during the point-in-time count is vital for many local entities, including TPCH and the City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development. This information is key for identifying service gaps, enhancing support for the unsheltered, and securing federal funding, according to officials.

The upcoming PIT count is scheduled for January 29, 2025, from 6 to 11 a.m. “Volunteers are essential to the success of the Point-in-Time Count, requiring hundreds to effectively conduct the count. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with the community and assist those in need,” highlighted Kat Davis, the continuum of care manager for Housing and Community Development in Tucson.

Training for volunteers will take place on January 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., ahead of the count. During the event, participants will conduct interviews using a standardized electronic survey while working in teams, each led by a designated leader and focusing on specific areas of the community. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Those interested in participating can register with TPCH.