2026 PIT FLYER | 2026 PIT AMAZON DONATION WISHLIST
BUFFALO – The Homeless Alliance of Western New York, in collaboration with emergency shelters, outreach teams, community organizations and volunteers across Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, will conduct the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count beginning the evening of January 22 and running for a continuous 24 hour effort concluding on January 23, 2026.
Coordinated by the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, the PIT Count is a federally required survey that provides a snapshot of the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the region at a single point in time. Through this effort, volunteers conduct surveys, connect unhoused individuals with available shelters and local resources, and distribute food, clothing and other essential items to those in need.
The 2026 PIT Count will engage individuals and families staying and living in places not meant for human habitation (such as on the streets, in their cars, in abandoned buildings, under bridges, etc.), with an emphasis on key subpopulations such as youth, veterans, survivors of domestic violence and those experiencing chronic homelessness.
This one-day snapshot is a critical tool for understanding regional trends and identifying gaps in local services. PIT data directly informs planning, policy decisions, and funding allocations for housing and support programs across Western New York. The results play a significant role in determining Continuum of Care Program funding, supporting local governments, service providers, housing agencies, and policymakers in meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our communities. Data collected during the PIT Count is also included in our Continuum of Care’s federal funding application and guides long-term strategies to respond to and end homelessness throughout the region.
The PIT Count is made possible through robust collaboration with homeless service providers, street outreach teams, law enforcement, health and behavioral health agencies, faith-based organizations, and volunteers trained in trauma-informed engagement. Teams will canvass communities overnight for a continuous 24 hours to ensure the most accurate count possible.
To further support the outreach effort, the Homeless Alliance is inviting the community to contribute through its Amazon Wish List for the 2026 PIT Count. All donated items will be distributed directly to individuals in need as outreach teams conduct the count across the five participating counties.