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