2026 Pit Count
Updates
Below are details about the upcoming trainings for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, with the official night of the count on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and the service-based count continuing through Tuesday, February 3, 2026. (Please note: We are waiting any updates from HUD and MCAH for training dates and will pass any information we receive along—we have heard from MCAH-Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness that there are no anticipated changes to the PIT Count this year.)
What Is the PIT Count?
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a one-day, nationwide effort to collect data on individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This information is essential for understanding the scope of homelessness in our communities and for ensuring that critical resources are allocated where they are needed most. By participating, you are directly contributing to this important mission.
Why Your Help Matters
Data collected through the PIT Count directly impacts funding decisions and helps shape housing, supportive services, and outreach programs. Your participation improves the accuracy of the count and ensures the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors are fully represented. Both the NIGHT OF THE COUNT and the SERVICE BASED COUNT are listed below. We need as many agencies and individuals engaged as possible. A robust count impacts funding and gives a snapshot of homelessness across our Continuum of Care
PIT Count Methods & Required Trainings
Ottawa County will again be using two count methods this year. If you plan to participate, you must attend one of the trainings below, depending on your role:
1) Street Outreach Count
Facilitated by Community Action House
- Takes place the night of the count, beginning the evening of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and continuing into the morning of Thursday, January 29, 2026 (approximately 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM).
- Please note: The in-person PIT Count training will focus specifically on Night of Count procedures and expectations. Anyone planning to participate on the night of the PIT Count is strongly encouraged to attend this training, as it will cover safety, roles, and logistics needed for the evening. Per Jessica: If anyone within the LHA is willing and able to go out on the night of the count, please email me by end of day on 1/9 so we can plan accordingly. The time commitment for Night of Count generally begins around 9:00 PM, with active counting typically running until approximately 1:00 AM. The more people we have participating, the more ground we can cover—and the quicker the night goes for everyone.
In-person training location: Community Action House, Wednesday, January 26 from 10am-11:30am Community Action House Food Club & Opportunity Hub, 739 Paw Paw Dr, Holland, MI 49423, USA, PawPaw-1-Large Conference Room (30)
Training sign-up & contact: Jessica Pressley📧 jpressley@communityactionhouse.org Please contact Jessica Pressley directly if you plan to participate in the night-of PIT Count.
Online Training Option (Teams):
2) Service-Based Count
For service providers and agencies who encounter individuals or families experiencing homelessness during regular business hours after the night of the count.
- Participants will ask where individuals slept on the night of January 28, 2026
- Service-based counting continues through Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (All reporting is due Friday, February 6th, EOD.)
- Facilitated by: Christina Fort, Lakeshore Housing Alliance
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM A TEAMS invite will be shared with all LHA membership. Please feel free to forward to your staff. (*This meeting will be recorded.)
- Please reach out to: cfort@goodsamottawa.org for a TEAMS invite.