Press Release
FOR CLASSROOM USE ONLY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Name: Tajah Smith
Phone Number: 512-986-1611
Email: Tajah.s.smith14@gmail.com
City of Denton Calls for Community Support: Annual Point-in-Time Count in Denton
(DENTON, Texas – Jan. 1, 2025) The City of Denton is committed to addressing homelessness by supporting the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a federally required initiative to count the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Denton County. Conducted during a single night in January, the PIT Count helps the local government, service providers, and community partners better understand the scope of homelessness and identify gaps in housing and support services. Accurate data ensures Denton can pursue appropriate funding and evidence-based strategies to meet community needs.
According to the data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, communities that conduct thorough PIT Counts are better positioned to secure federal funding and develop targeted solutions. Homelessness remains a complex and growing challenge nationwide and locally, driven by rising housing costs, wage instability, medical debt, domestic violence and limited access to affordable housing. In Denton County, the PIT count also helps identify population specific needs, including families with children, veterans, seniors and youth experiencing homelessness.
Community support is essential to the success of the PIT Count. Volunteers help survey unsheltered individuals, assist with data collection and ensure people experiencing homelessness are counted with dignity and respect. All volunteers receive training and are placed on teams with experienced leaders to ensure safety and trauma-informed engagement. Residents who participate are directly contributing to programs and policies that can lead to permanent housing and long-term stability for vulnerable neighbors.
“Gathering accurate data is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce homelessness,” said the director of marketing and communications, Marci Pritts. “The Point-in-Time Count allows our community to focus on real needs. When residents volunteer, they are helping us build solutions that are informed, compassionate and effective.”
Denton Mayor Garard Hudspeth emphasized the importance of working together as a community. “The City of Denton is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for safe, stable housing,” the mayor said. “The Point-in-Time Count is critical step in that effort, and we are grateful to our non-profit partners, volunteers and residents who show up for our community year after year.”
Residents interested in supporting the PIT Count can volunteer, donate, or help spread awareness. Information about volunteering and local homelessness services can be found through community partners, including United Way of Denton County, The Denton County Homelessness Coalition and the city-supported outreach organizations.
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Boilerplates
- About United Way of Denton County
United Way of Denton County works with local nonprofits, government agencies and community partners to improve education, income stability and health outcomes for residents across Denton County. Through strategic investments and collaborative initiatives, United Way addresses critical community challenges, including housing instability and homelessness.
2. About the Denton County Homelessness Coalition
The Denton County Homelessness Coalition is a collaborative network of non-profits, local governments, faith-based organizations and service providers working together to prevent and end homelessness. The coalition coordinates data collection, outreach and housing-focused solutions throughout Denton County.
3. About The City of Denton County
Denton is a North Texas city that values creativity, education and community. The City of Denton works to provide reliable services, maintain public safety and support a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
AI Use Disclosure
This press release was prepared with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence to support drafting, organization and clarify the subject of Homelessness and how that is measured by the annual Point-in-Time Count.
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| Image | Time | Platform | Post |
 | Jan. 2, 2026 | Homelessness impacts individuals and families across Denton County, and understanding the scope of the issue is the first step toward meaningful solutions. | |
| Jan. 4, 2026 | The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count helps Denton County understand homelessness in our community and secure resources for housing and support services. Volunteers play a critical role by helping collect this data | |
| Jan. 5, 2026 | X | he Point-in-Time (PIT) Count helps Denton County secure funding & design better housing solutions |
| Jan. 8, 2026 | This one-night effort helps Denton County better understand homelessness and access funding for housing and support services. Training is provided, and volunteers work in teams. | |
| Jan. 10, 2026 | Volunteers help ensure everyone experiencing homelessness in Denton County is counted with dignity and respect. | |
| Jan. 12, 2026 | X | The PIT Count helps Denton County understand homelessness and secure housing resources. Volunteers needed—training provided. |
| Jan. 19, 2026 | The annual PIT Count helps Denton County identify housing needs, service gaps, and opportunities to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness. | |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | The PIT Count is tomorrow. Make sure you are at your assigned location at your designated time slot. We have from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. to make a difference | |
| Jan. 22, 2026 | X | The PIT Count is tonight! All hands on deck to get every homeless individual counted |
PIT Individual Email Pitches
Subject: Denton County volunteers conduct annual homelessness count
Hi David,
Denton County volunteers and service providers will conduct the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count to gather federally required data on people experiencing homelessness, which directly impacts housing and service funding. The one-night count offers a snapshot of unmet needs and emerging trends affecting communities across the county. I can connect you with local organizers or share details on when and where the count will take place.
Best,
Tajah Smith
Subject: Local nonprofits unite for Denton County PIT Count
Hi Jeanne,
Local nonprofits, cities, and volunteers across Denton County are coming together for the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a one-night effort that helps determine funding and resources for people experiencing homelessness. The count highlights cross-sector collaboration and the role community support plays in strengthening local housing and outreach efforts. I’m happy to share participation details or connect you with non-profits leaders involved in this year’s count
Best,
Tajah Smith
Subject: Denton County conducts annual Point-in-Time homelessness count
Hi Maria,
Denton County will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a federally mandated, one-night census that informs homelessness funding and policy decisions across North Texas. The count offers insight into who is experiencing homelessness, emerging trends, and where gaps in housing and services persist as the region continues to grow. I can share Denton County-specific data, timing details or connect you with local officials and organizers involved in the count.
Best,
Tajah Smith
PIT Media Interview Prep
Talking Points
- The point-in-time count determines how much federal and state funding Denton County can access.
- Homelessness has increased primarily due to housing costs, eviction policy changes, and economic pressure.
- Denton County’s growth has outpaced its affordable housing and social service infrastructure.
- Policy changes around eviction timelines are expected to push more households into housing instability.
- Community partners like United Way of Denton County have shifted operations to meet higher demand and more complex needs.
Anticipated Media Questions & Answers
- Why is this count important to Denton County?
The count directly impacts funding, planning, and services. Without accurate numbers, Denton County risks being underfunded and underprepared. It’s the foundation for housing, healthcare access, and prevention programs.
- What has changed with the homeless population in Denton over the last year?
We’re seeing more people experiencing homelessness for the first time and more families and seniors affected. The needs are also more complex — mental health, medical issues, and short-term economic shocks are more common.
- Why has the homeless population increased so drastically?
Housing costs have risen faster than wages, eviction timelines have shortened, and affordable units are limited. When people fall behind, there’s very little buffer before they lose housing.
- There is a new system for eviction made into state law that will increase homelessness. Can you explain that?
Recent changes streamline the eviction process, which reduces the time people have to catch up or find alternatives. That efficiency benefits landlords, but it also means more people enter homelessness faster, often with no transition plan.
- Is homelessness mainly caused by people moving into Denton County?
No. Most people experiencing homelessness already lived or worked in the area before losing housing. This is a local housing stability issue, not an influx problem.
- How can someone volunteer to help?
People can volunteer through coordinated community partners, shelters, food programs, and outreach teams. The most effective volunteers are trained, consistent, and connected to established organizations. You can register through the United Way sign up sheet or you can also volunteer through Denton County Homelessness Coalition. If you are able to volunteer in-person, you can donate or even add to the Wishlist for supplies.
- Is it safe to volunteer?
Yes, when volunteering through organized programs with proper training and support. Safety protocols are in place, and volunteers are never expected to work alone or beyond their role.
- What changed with Our Daily Bread 2025?
Our Daily Bread is no longer in operation, but the need it served did not disappear. Partner organizations and the county have stepped in to absorb services and coordinate care so individuals aren’t left without support. Taking care of the citizens of the county still remains our top priority.
- What does success look like after this count?
Success means the data is used — to bring in funding, expand housing options, and prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. The count isn’t the solution; it’s the starting point.
- What do you want the public to understand most?
Homelessness is a systems issue, not a personal failure. The solutions exist, but they require accurate data, political will, and community involvement.