SPOKANE, Wash. – Ahead of the region’s 2026 Point in Time Count (PIT Count) Spokane held a series of trainings to get volunteers ready to conduct the survey.
For many volunteers, personal connections and desire to help the community drives their participation.
Like Gerry Schmidt, who said he grew up homeless in Spokane and spent his childhood living in places like the Salvation Army.
After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School, Schmidt joined the military. Upon his return to Spokane, he began volunteering for the PIT count.
“I’ve been doing that for 5 years,” Schmidt said.
Each year in January, Schmidt and fellow volunteers participate in training, sign up for shifts, and connect with the county’s homeless population.
The volunteers gather responses to a 21-question survey. John Clapp, Spokane Program Administrator, explained that while the survey itself takes about five minutes, conversations can sometimes take longer.
“Depending on how the conversation is going, sometimes it takes a lot longer as you are getting to know somebody,” Clapp said. “But the survey itself takes 5 minutes.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Spokane County to collect demographic data such as age, race, and gender. However, the survey goes beyond these basics.
One of the questions asks, “Did you live in Spokane County before you became homeless?”
Clapp noted that past data shows most homeless individuals are from Spokane County, not elsewhere.
The survey also inquires about substance use disorders and mental or physical health issues, which Spokane refers to as “barriers to care.”
Participation in the survey is voluntary, meaning no one is obliged to answer the questions.
“We’re asking someone their name, age, race, things like that, which are very strange to ask,” Clapp said.
Despite the challenges, Clapp said the data collected is valuable. Schmidt appreciates the opportunity to connect with the community and share his experiences.
“I can, you know, talk about the tough times, the things that I’ve experienced, and I don’t mind sitting down and just talking with them,” Schmidt said.
The PIT count will start on January 27th, and take the entire week.
