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, includes 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.
United Way of Denton County will be partnering with the City of Denton and the Homelessness Coalition of Denton County in order to organize this year’s Point-In-Time Count. The Count will be taking place on Jan. 22, 2026, and has been organized into shifts to get an accurate count in order to better gauge what resources are needed in Denton.
“Gathering accurate data is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce homelessness. 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.” says the director of marketing and communications, Marci Pritts.
The PIT count also heavily relies on the volunteers and community support given by local non-profits. The Point-In-Time Count helps give the government an idea about what unhoused individuals in the community need and where they are in order to send aid to them. The city needs volunteers to help with the count because the more people who can help count, the more accurate the results. Considering there is only one day to get a city-wide count, the PIT needs all the people the city can spare.
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 Count is a critical step in that effort.”
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 of Denton. Join us and make Denton count on Jan. 22, 2026.
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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.
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.
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.
Sources
- National Alliance to End Homelessness. (n.d.). What is a point-in-time count? Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://endhomelessness.org/resources/policy-information/what-is-a-point-in-time-count/ (National Alliance to End Homelessness)
- Denton County Homeless Coalition. (n.d.). PIT count. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://endhomelessnessdenton.com/ (End Homelessness Denton)
- Nest Community Shelter. (n.d.). Understanding the point-in-time (PIT) count: A critical snapshot of homelessness in our community. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://nestcommunityshelter.org/understanding-the-point-in-time-pit-count-a-critical-snapshot-of-homelessness-in-our-community/
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). PIT count standards and methodologies. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://www.hudexchange.info/trainings/pit-count-standards-and-methodologies/
- Urban Institute. (n.d.). Homelessness and housing program trends: State-level data. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://www.urban.org/data-tools/homelessness-and-housing-program-trends-state
- United Way of Denton County. (n.d.). Point-in-time count. Retrieved April 6, 2026, from https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/point-time-count (United Way of Denton County)