County Now Recruiting Volunteers for "Allegheny Counts"

Published on November 10, 2026

County Now Recruiting Volunteers for "Allegheny Counts" Homelessness Estimate

(PITTSBURGH) - Allegheny County is now recruiting volunteers for Allegheny Counts, the county's annual effort to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. 

Each January, communities across the country participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual Point-in-Time Count. In Allegheny County, hundreds of volunteers work together to help gather information about people staying outdoors overnight. The data collected helps local leaders better understand homelessness in our community, identify trends over time and meet federal funding requirements. 

"Allegheny Counts is an opportunity for residents to play a direct role in helping us better understand homelessness in our community," said Alex Jutca, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. "Reliable data is critical to understanding trends among people experiencing homelessness and ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.” 

“Allegheny Counts is about so much more than numbers,” said Muhammad Ali Nasir, Director of Community Care for 1HOOD.  “Every person counted represents someone whose experience matters. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to support an effort that helps guide decisions about housing and services, and I'm grateful to have been part of it. I encourage others to volunteer for the upcoming count and play a role in helping our community better understand and address homelessness.” 

What to Expect 

Community members ages 18 and older are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers receive training and work in teams assigned to neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County. Teams travel by foot or vehicle and complete a brief survey for each person they encounter who reports experiencing homelessness. If a person is sleeping, volunteers record only observational information and do not disturb them. 

DHS is seeking approximately 400 volunteers and welcomes participation from residents, students, community organizations and local employers. 

The organizations and universities currently supporting recruitment efforts and night-of operations include: 

Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at:  alleghenycounty.us/alleghenycounts 

For background on past counts and homelessness data in Allegheny County, visit:  analytics.alleghenycounty.us/2026/05/18/point-in-time-count-of-people-experiencing-homelessness/

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Media inquires for the Allegheny Department of Human Services should be sent to Cydney Cooper at cydney.cooper@alleghenycounty.us.  For contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers, visit the Communications webpage.