Background
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD)–required, one-night count of people experiencing homelessness
conducted annually during the last ten days of January. The Yellowstone County
Continuum of Care (CoC) coordinates the local PIT Count, which includes people
staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, Safe Havens, and places
not meant for human habitation (streets, vehicles, parks, camps, etc.). Data
collected are reported to HUD and are used to guide funding, planning, and
services in our community. We are seeking volunteers to help administer PIT
surveys at meal sites, shelters, social service agencies, and targeted outdoor
locations.
Purpose
Volunteers will support accurate, HUD-compliant data collection on the night of
the PIT Count by completing brief surveys with individuals and families
experiencing homelessness. Volunteers will work in teams of two and may provide
small care packages as an incentive for survey participation.
Logistics
The 2026 PIT Count will take place on Thursday, January 29,
from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
All volunteers will meet at Tumbleweed, 505 N 24th St, Billings, MT
59101, at 4:00 p.m. for a brief orientation, team assignments,
and deployment instructions. When possible, new volunteers will be paired with
experienced PIT volunteers, and assignment preferences will be considered as
capacity allows.
Time Commitment
· Completion of a short online training prior to the PIT Count.
· Attendance at an in-person orientation the night of the Count.
· Minimum 2-hour shift between 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (longer shifts are welcome).
Locations
· Onsite: Tumbleweed and participating shelter locations in Billings.
· Offsite: Pre-determined social service agencies and/or meal sites.
· Offsite Outdoor: Parks, encampments, and other locations where unhoused neighbors are residing.
Key Duties
· Coordinate with CoC staff and fellow volunteers to implement the PIT Count plan.
· Administer and accurately complete HUD-aligned PIT surveys with individuals experiencing homelessness.
· Provide and track incentives for people who complete surveys.
· Safeguard all survey materials and return them as instructed at the end of the shift.
Qualifications
· Must be 18 years of age or older.
· Completion of required online training (if you have not previously participated in a PIT Count).
· Attendance at the in-person orientation on January 29, 2026.
· Availability for at least one 2-hour shift the night of January 29, 2026.
· Ability to collect data carefully and keep all information confidential.
· Willingness to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
· Commitment to personal and team safety (including traveling in pairs at all times).
Report To
Kody Christensen
Email: kody@downtownbillings.com
Once you register Kody will email you to sign up for your shift.
