Volunteers Sought for Longview’s Annual Homeless Count on January 22

The North East Texas Homeless Consortium, in collaboration with the City of Longview, is actively recruiting adult volunteers for the upcoming 2026 Point-in-Time Count scheduled for January 22. This annual event aims to conduct a census of the local homeless population, a crucial activity for obtaining federal and state funding that supports housing and social services within the region.

Training Sessions for Volunteers

City officials emphasized that the count will adhere to specific guidelines established by the Texas Homeless Network. These standards ensure a respectful and accurate assessment of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. All volunteers are required to attend a training session lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, with options available for both online and in-person participation.

Online training sessions are set for 10:00 and 14:00 on January 5, January 12, and January 19. For those interested in the 10:00 session, they can join via meet.google.com/kqo-ofhr-bkj or by phone at +1 346-314-0381 with the PIN: 466 068 527. The 14:00 session can be accessed at meet.google.com/kgq-hezt-wbf or by calling +1 319-449-2952 (PIN: 840 293 031).

An in-person training session will take place at 10:00 on January 21 in the Moeschle Room of the Longview Public Library, located at 222 W. Cotton St., Longview.

Community Engagement on Count Day

The Point-in-Time Count coincides with Longview’s Eighth Annual Homeless Resource Day, hosted at the Longview Exhibit Building. This event not only facilitates the collection of vital data but also provides immediate support to individuals in need. Local health services, food assistance, and other essential resources will be available to connect with those experiencing homelessness.

By participating in this coordinated effort, volunteers will contribute significantly to understanding and addressing homelessness in the Longview area. The data gathered during the count is not only instrumental in securing funding but also plays a crucial role in shaping future policies and programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations in the region.