1,200 volunteers needed for Austin homelessness count

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) is looking for around 1,200 volunteers to help conduct surveys for the biannual Point In Time (PIT) Count for January 2025, the nonprofit said in a news release Thursday.

The PIT Count is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2025, the release said.

The PIT Count is a one-night survey to count the number of people who are experiencing homelessness in the Austin area. ECHO last did an in-person PIT Count in 2023, the release said.

According to ECHO, more than 700 volunteers from the community helped conduct those surveys and helped to pass out hygiene items, snacks and more.

ECHO said "results from the survey help (the) community better understand who (it's) serving, (and) guide change in (the) Homelessness Response System (HRS)."

Those interested in becoming a volunteer can apply via the volunteer sign-up form on the ECHO website.