By Cat Keniston
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — San Bernardino County is gearing up for the 2025 Point-In-Time Count (PITC) of unsheltered individuals, scheduled for Jan. 23, and is calling on community volunteers to assist in this vital effort.
The annual PITC provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population and helps determine the allocation of federal resources. This year, in addition to collecting data, volunteers will join multi-disciplinary county teams to offer real-time supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is proud to partner with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP) and our dedicated volunteers to collect critical data and provide support to the homeless community,” said OHS Chief Marcus Dillard. “We are committed to ensuring access to safe and stable housing and are expanding our efforts to include direct assistance during the count.”
Volunteers, alongside county employees and service providers, will use a web-based app to canvass cities, towns, and unincorporated areas, gathering data and offering help to individuals staying in unsheltered locations such as vehicles, parks, abandoned buildings, and riverbeds. The collected information will be shared with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to guide future funding and resources.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have an Android or iOS smartphone to conduct surveys. Personal transportation is required, and volunteers should be prepared for walking. Training will be available both in person and online.
“The success of the annual count depends on collaboration with cities and the community,” Dillard emphasized. “I encourage everyone to volunteer and play a role in addressing homelessness in our region.”
To register as a volunteer, visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/community-projects/point-in-time-count. For questions, call 909-501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.
