Hays County Seeks Volunteers for January Homelessness Census

Hays County will conduct its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count on January 23 to assess the number of people experiencing homelessness in the area. The census, organized by the Hays County Homeless Coalition in collaboration with the Texas Homeless Network and local agencies, aims to gather data that informs both local and national policies and funding decisions for homelessness programs.

The most recent PIT Count, conducted in January 2024, revealed a significant increase in the county’s unhoused population, rising from approximately 128 individuals in 2020 to over 240 in 2024. Unlike the first count in 2020, the majority of those experiencing homelessness in 2024 were staying in shelters.

Volunteers participating in the upcoming count will survey individuals across the county and distribute resources to those in need. The data collected will then be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via the Texas Homeless Network.

The Hays County Homeless Coalition is seeking volunteers for this effort. Those interested can contact tyler.staton@hayscountytx.gov or peyton.wagner@hayscountytx.gov for more information.

In a similar initiative, Austin’s Ending Community Homelessness Coalition will conduct its own PIT Count on January 25, surveying the homeless population in Austin and Travis County. This effort will require around 1,200 volunteers to complete the one-night survey.

Both counts play a critical role in shaping strategies to address homelessness and ensuring resources are allocated effectively.

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