2026 Homeless Point in Time Count begins on Big Island

Volunteers and HOPE Services Hawai‘i outreach staff fanned out early Monday morning (Jan. 26) around the Big Island for the first shift of the Homeless Point in Time Count.

Teams are canvassing public beaches, parks and sidewalks, as well as canals, cemeteries, caves and remote areas only accessible by trail.

The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation.

The effort is led locally by HOPE Services in partnership with community organizations, service providers and volunteers.

Morning shifts start as early as 4:30 a.m. with evening shifts running as late as 8:30 p.m. throughout the week to ensure teams can reach communities throughout East and West Hawai‘i.

More than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.

The early and late shift times were chosen because many of the people the teams aim to connect with have jobs or stay in places where they cannot remain during the day, often moving before sunrise.

“The Homeless Point in Time Count is about more than just numbers,” said HOPE Services Hawaiʻi Director of Outreach Carrie Ho‘opiʻi in a release about this year’s count. “This is our chance to come together with community partners, combine our expertise and show up in unity for those experiencing homelessness.”

Ho‘opiʻi added that the initiative allows volunteers and staff participating to gather critical data while being present, building trust and reminding people that they are seen, valued and not alone.

“Through collaboration and teamwork, we strengthen our collective efforts to create real, lasting solutions,” Ho‘opiʻi said.

The Homeless Point in Time Count — conducted nationwide — helps policymakers, agencies and advocates understand the scope of homelessness in each region and direct funding toward effective solutions.

It’s also not just about the count.

Participants often deliver basic supplies, food and referrals to services, connecting with unsheltered neighbors through compassionate, person-centered engagement.

“As the [Hawai‘i County Council] member representing much of Hilo, including our special downtown area, homelessness is the issue that keeps me up at night more than any other,” said Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada, who volunteered to participate this year, in the HOPE Services release.

Kagiwada added that the growing number of people unhoused and living on the streets of Hilo is alarming and mirrors what is happening in the state and throughout the country.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important data-gathering activity, the homeless point-in-time count, in order to better understand the complexities of the issue and inform our collective work of reducing the number of unhoused in our community,” she said.

The count for many volunteers represents data collection and human connection — an opportunity to hear the stories behind the statistics and spotlight community efforts to address the lack of housing.

Those who want to donate their time, talents or financial support to their neighbors in need can visit the HOPE Services Hawai‘i website.

The most recent Hawai‘i Island count — conducted in 2024 — identified 718 people experiencing homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for housing that is truly within reach for local people earning local wages, along with adequately funded supportive services to help people stabilize and thrive.

Results from the 2026 Point in Time Count will be compiled in the coming months and shared publicly once verified.