COLUMBUS, GA AND PHENIX CITY, AL — United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Home for Good initiative is leading the Point-in-Time Count 2026, an annual survey that provides a detailed snapshot of homelessness in our community. From January 26th–29th, trained volunteers, local nonprofit partners, and community leaders will work together to survey both sheltered and unsheltered individuals, helping inform strategies to end homelessness in the region.

United Way’s Home for Good strategy focuses on moving individuals and families from homelessness into permanent, stable housing. Through coordinated resources, trusted partnerships, and nationally recognized best practices, the program emphasizes what works: housing as the solution. By pairing housing with supportive services, Home for Good helps people transition out of homelessness for good.

Ending homelessness strengthens the entire community. Safe, affordable, and decent housing improves neighborhood safety, revitalizes properties, stabilizes home values, and reduces public costs, making housing solutions a smart investment in a stronger, healthier region.

Why the Point-in-Time Count 2026 Matters

The Point-in-Time Count 2026 collects vital data about individuals and households experiencing homelessness, including barriers to accessing housing and services. This information allows local leaders and service providers to:

• Tailor proactive and crisis-response services
• Direct resources where they are most needed
• Improve housing strategies, healthcare access, mental health support, and outreach efforts

This data also contributes to regional reports and studies on homelessness, such as the interactive PIT Count dashboard.

2026 PIT Count Schedule

The 2026 Point-in-Time Count will include both sheltered and unsheltered surveys:

Sheltered Count (Primary):

• Monday, January 26 — Volunteers survey from 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. at participating nonprofit shelters

Unsheltered Count (Primary):

• Tuesday, January 27 — Volunteers survey 5:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. in outdoor locations and encampments

Unsheltered Follow-Ups:

• Wednesday, January 28
• Thursday, January 29

All volunteers work in teams led by a United Way Home for Good team leader, ensuring guidance, safety, and survey completion.

Using Data to Drive Solutions

Results from the combined PIT Counts are available on the interactive dashboard. The Point-in-Time Count 2026 dashboard and full report will be published at unitedcv.org/hfg once the data is finalized.

In addition to the PIT Count, Home for Good addresses broader housing challenges in the region. Rising housing costs and a lack of “missing middle” housing options, such as townhomes and duplexes, have made it difficult for local workers and families to find affordable homes. To tackle these challenges, United Way partnered with the Georgia Tech Research Institute Center for Economic Development Research on a comprehensive regional housing study.

Media Contacts

Additional press resources are available at unitedcv.org/press.