The statewide annual count of Utahns experiencing homelessness took place from January 2, 2026, to January 31, 2026. The Point-in-Time Count (PIT) utilized volunteers to survey individuals in the early morning hours regarding their sleeping locations on January 28.
Nick Coleman, interim state homeless coordinator, stated that the count served as a critical tool for capturing an in-depth look at homelessness statewide. Coleman noted that reaching an accurate count relied heavily on volunteer support across the state.
The PIT process aimed to provide deeper understanding of how many individuals and families in Utah experienced unsheltered homelessness, including those living in cars, RVs, or places not intended for human habitation.
The data gathered from the count was intended to assist policymakers in setting benchmarks to measure progress toward ending homelessness and helped in the planning of services and programs to address local needs.
Volunteers were required to work in teams to identify and interview unsheltered populations. Prior to the count, participants received virtual training that covered survey app usage, best practices for interviews, youth homelessness, racial equity, and trauma-informed approaches.
While volunteers could sign up for a single day, they were encouraged to participate for all three days of the scheduled period.
Information regarding local counts and volunteer opportunities was made available through endutahhomelessness.org/salt-lake-valley/salt-lake-county-pit-count/.
