On January 27 and 28, 2027, volunteers will survey individuals experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as part of the Point-in-Time Count, according to Mecklenburg County. The count aims to assess the number of people without reliable shelter and requires over 100 volunteers for preparation and logistics.

Mecklenburg County reports that last year's count identified 2,018 individuals experiencing homelessness, with 499 sleeping outside, including 29 unaccompanied youth and 25 veterans. The county emphasizes the growing need for community support as the number of unsheltered individuals has more than doubled since 2020.

Press Release: Mecklenburg County

Published November 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Mecklenburg County.

Everybody Counts Charlotte: Volunteers and Donations Needed for 'Point-in-Time’ Count

On Wednesday evening, Jan. 27, 2027 and Thursday morning, Jan. 28, 2027, volunteers will head out across Charlotte-Mecklenburg to reach out to people who do not have a reliable place to sleep. It’s part of the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, and it helps us see how many of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness right now.

The PIT Count is when our community comes together to survey people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on one night. To make sure everyone is seen and supported, Mecklenburg County and our partners need residents’ help. Here is how you can make a difference for our neighbors:

  • Volunteer your time: We need more than 100 volunteers from Jan. 27 through Jan. 28 to help with preparation, logistics and completing surveys with neighbors who are living unsheltered. Sign up to volunteer.
  • Donate helpful supplies: Support the 2027 PIT Count by donating essential items for people sleeping outside in our community. Buy from our Amazon Wishlist to keep people warm. You can also give money to help buy supplies, and food for neighbors who are surveyed and volunteers.
  • Spread the word: Share this news with your family, friends, and coworkers. Use the hashtag #EverybodyCountsCLT on social media to build community awareness.

The need for action is growing. During last year's count, 2,018 people were found experiencing homelessness during one night in our area. Of those, 499 were people sleeping outside, including 29 unaccompanied youth and 25 veterans. The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness has more than doubled since 2020, which is why your help is more important than ever. By volunteering or donating, you help make sure that truly everyone counts.

The PIT Count is a required activity for communities to receive funding to address homelessness from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CoCs across the country conduct a Point-in-Time Count during the same time period. HUD utilizes data from PIT Counts to provide a snapshot of homelessness across the country and to allocate federal funding to address homelessness. Locally, the count is a partnership among Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care, led by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services division, and the Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition.

To learn more about housing and homelessness in our community, visit the Housing and Homelessness Dashboard.