University of Arkansas students are invited to take part in the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count — an annual, nationwide effort to count individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care (NWA CoC), in partnership with the University of Arkansas, will conduct the count on January 30, 2026.

Since 2022, John Gallagher has coordinated the university's involvement with students and community partners to support the success of the PIT Count.

The PIT Count provides essential data that helps improve local services, guide funding decisions, and strengthen community responses to homelessness across Northwest Arkansas. Volunteers will work in small teams to survey unsheltered individuals and collect data in coordination with local agencies and service providers. This experience offers students a meaningful way to engage with social issues firsthand, build connections with community organizations, and contribute to ongoing efforts to end homelessness.

• We are now recruiting volunteers. Students of all majors are welcome to participate—training and materials will be provided. To express interest, follow this link.
• We are raising funds to support the PIT Count and the NWA CoC through a percentage night at Chipotle on Dickson Street, Wednesday, 11/19 from 4-8 PM. To participate, you will need to present a flier or use a code for on-line ordering. The flier and code is available via this link.

For more information or to get involved, contact social work students Sydnie Babcock (sfb003@uark.edu) or Danny Trudo (pdtrudo@uark.edu)