DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Local agencies and volunteers will conduct the annual Homeless Connect Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and host a Project Homeless Connect service event on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The PIT Count is a federally mandated, one-day census required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to count sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. The data collected is used to assess the scope of homelessness, inform public policy, track trends over time and help determine the allocation of federal resources.
At the same time, Project Homeless Connect will provide free, on-site services to people experiencing homelessness at the Dothan Housing Authority, 1001 Montana St. Services are expected to include haircuts, hygiene items, food and beverages, flu vaccines, HIV testing and housing assistance referrals.
Organizers said the two efforts work together by pairing data collection with immediate assistance. While the PIT Count identifies how many individuals are experiencing homelessness, Project Homeless Connect offers direct support to those individuals on the same day.
Community members are encouraged to assist in several ways, including volunteering to provide services, helping administer surveys during the count, participating as agency vendors to distribute items or information, and donating supplies. Requested donations include hygiene items, socks, toboggans, blankets, scarves, food, coffee, drinks and serving supplies.
Those interested in volunteering or contributing can complete the interest form at: https://form.jotform.com/canhelpnp/seach-point-in-time-pit-count-volun.
