City Staff Participate in 2026 Point-in-Time Count

Published on March 03, 2026

Before sunrise on January 29, 2026, City of Salinas staff gathered with local partners to support the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a one-night, federally required effort to count people experiencing homelessness. It is a snapshot, but it is a powerful one. The results help shape how resources are directed, how services are designed, and how funding is pursued to meet real needs in our community.

What is a PIT Count?

A Point-in-Time Count is a one-night, federally required count of people experiencing homelessness, including individuals staying in shelters and those living outdoors or in places not meant for habitation.

Why it Matters?

PIT Count data helps communities better understand the scope of need, improve local planning and outreach, and strengthen applications for state and federal resources. In short: better data helps decision-makers align funding and services with what is happening on the ground.

Appreciation for our Teams and Partners

Many hands made this effort possible. We are especially grateful to the Salinas Outreach and Response Team (SORT). Their long-standing relationships and on-the-ground knowledge help the count reflect the human reality behind the data, and help ensure the process is conducted with dignity and care.

Thank you as well to Code Enforcement staff who volunteered, to the APPI (Advanced Planning and Project Implementation) and Rental Registry teams who stepped in later in the day to cover additional census tracts, and to the City Manager, who also volunteered and participated in the count in support of this important community effort.

Learn More about Homeless Services