09 Dec 2026 Point and Time Count Information and Volunteer Opportunity
Hello Essex Community, please read this email thoroughly and to the end, and please share with the necessary parties/participants to ensure a well-coordinated response.
I’m reaching out to let you know about a significant community effort happening soon, the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a vital initiative to understand and address homelessness in Essex County. We are kicking off our point-in-time count effort with our 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect Day, on January 28th at Essex County College Gymnasium, and then surveying a variety of locations across the County throughout the 7-day period until February 3rd, 2026
What is the PIT Count? The PIT Count is a one-night, community-wide outreach event where volunteers and outreach teams survey individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This effort helps us gather data to secure funding, shape local policy, and improve services for our most vulnerable neighbors.
PITC Locations
- Attached are locations that were surveyed last year. We are looking for insight into any locations you have observed or heard about where homeless persons are gathering (i.e., abandoned/blighted homes) for the teams to outreach and engage. With this information, we can:
- Highlight the local municipality’s commitment to addressing homelessness.
- Spreading the word and provide access for people to join us at the 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect Day.
- Amplify our efforts to ensure no one is overlooked.
- Highlight our community’s dedication to securing vital resources and strengthening our advocacy.
- Help identify or provide access to local services that can assist those in need.
PITC Volunteer Form: Please complete by January 9th
https://forms.gle/wHiRaCa9up5uFQ869
Essex PITC Agency Code Confirmation
All agencies are asked to review the provided document and confirm their details. Please confirm no later than December 15th. Please email Agency Name, Code, and a Yes/No answer to the following question: Does the information accurately reflect previous years?
If you are unable to answer, please forward the request to the appropriate staff member.
Submit responses to:
jpayne@communityaction.essexcountynj.org
2026 PIT Training Schedule
- Tuesday, January 6, 1 pm – Survey Training
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5xV6HV7oShW9OtqpU-junA
- Thursday, January 8, 10 am – HMIS
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-6c-VykqQvG59upPkuWuFg
- Tuesday, January 13, 10 am -Survey Monkey
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N4DnvlAzRPmxiv0ig3MRhQ
- Thursday, January 15, 1 pm – Survey Training
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V3xeCG11RG6P-VeApDsZMQ
- Tuesday, January 20, 1 pm – Survey Monkey
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Zn2nEvySqewkuvF8M9JIg
- Thursday, January 22, 10 am – Survey Training
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WpRTJLt1TFScQCqd5yprRw
We sincerely appreciate your leadership, partnership, and commitment to ensuring every neighbor in Essex County has access to housing, care, and dignity.
If you have questions, information, or community connections that may support this effort, please contact me.
jpayne@communityaction.essexcountynj.org
Together, we can ensure a thorough, coordinated, and compassionate count.
Thank you for your continued support.