Volunteers to Conduct Annual Point-in-Time Count in Salt Lake County January 30 through February 1, 2025

WHO: Over 400 volunteers, including support from:

• Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness
• Professional Outreach Teams (Volunteers of America Utah, Veterans Affairs, and more)
• University of Utah Faculty and Students
• Jordan River Commission
• State Leaders
• Local Municipalities and Elected Officials

WHAT:  Volunteers in Salt Lake County, and in communities across Utah, will conduct the special region-wide Point-in-Time (PIT) Count this week, providing a single-night assessment of homelessness in Utah.

Each volunteer is pre-assigned to a small team that will be deployed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Teams canvas designated census tract areas to identify and survey individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Some survey questions focus on barriers to housing, physical and mental health, domestic violence, and self-sufficiency. Information gathered is recorded using an app created by the Salt Lake County Surveyor’s Office.

The annual PIT Count gives valuable insight into the needs and challenges of those experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake County. 

WHEN: 4:00 AM–6:00 AM

Thursday, January 30; Friday, January 31; Saturday, February 1

WHERE: Volunteers will meet at one of the three following hubs at 4:00 am and then head out throughout Salt Lake County, covering census tracts to which they are assigned throughout Salt Lake County.

• Salt Lake County Government Center, North Building Lobby, 2001 S State Street
• Millcreek City Hall, 1330 E Chambers Ave
• Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway

VISUALS: Volunteers conducting count, surveying individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Video will be available upon request.

OTHER: The goal of the PIT Count is to record the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night, and especially to identify individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness, which is defined as living on the streets or places not meant for human habitation. The PIT Count is also a way to survey and gather additional information to connect homeless individuals with available resources. The data collected helps policymakers set benchmarks to measure progress toward ending homelessness, as well as plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs.

“More first-time volunteers have signed up this year than ever before. The generosity of our community continues to inspire and make a difference for those in need. Thanks to the hundreds who have signed up to help, we are confident we will be able to cover the entirety of Salt Lake County during this year’s Count,” said Sue Ativalu, PIT lead for the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.

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