Volunteer at the Point-in-Time Count
The Point in Time Count is an annual effort to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness across Knoxville-Knox County. This information is critical to understanding the experience of all neighbors across the community. It takes place in the last 10 days of January, a time when living outside is near its harshest. This will be the night of January 21nd, 2026 with opportunities to engage starting on the 22nd.
Each year a successful count requires participation from non-profit partners and a wonderful mix of community volunteers. Volunteers can support the PIT count in a number of ways, depending on your availability, skills, and interest.
We are partnering with the Volunteer East Tennessee United Way platform to help manage our volunteers this year.
Please FOLLOW THIS LINK TO REGISTER, and create your account to find an opportunity that fits your availability.
Good Neighbor Bag Donation Drive – New for 2026!
Be a part of the Good Neighbor Bag Drive in partnership with local nonprofits, to provide a Good Neighbor Bag to every unhoused neighbor who engages with the PIT count. We are hoping to create 500 basic hygiene kits to provide to our neighbors alongside our regular $5 cash, that everyone who completes the survey receives.
Donate completed Bags, or any single component(s) in bulk.
Needed Items to complete a Good Neighbor Bag:
- Hand/Feet/Body warmers
- Thermal Foil/Survival Blankets
- Granola Bars, trail mix, and other nutrient dense and shelf stable foods
- Candy and Candy Bars
- Water bottles and Sports Drinks
- Wet Wipes
- Bug Bite Wipes
- Dry Shampoo Packets
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- 1 Gallon Plastic Closable Bags
- Small flashlights
- Handwritten notes of kindness and community
These kits provide vital survival supplies, as well as a sense of community connection. They make a great gift during moments when you may feel unsure of how to help your unhoused neighbors. Resource cards, and a personal note will be included in every bag that is distributed.
We are helping coordinate a Drop-Off Donation Drive for Good Neighbor Bags in partnership with Volunteer Ministry Center and the Knoxville-Knox County Homeless Coalition. Drop off these critically needed supplies at the VMC Refuge located on the south side of the building. A resource card and note of community will be added to each bag before distribution.
Where: 511 North Broadway, Knoxville. On the south side of the building. See the picture for reference.
When: Across three Tuesdays: December 23rd, December 30th, and January 6th from 11:00am-3:00pm.
Why: To distribute alongside the annual Point in Time homeless census which reaches a large portion of the unsheltered population.
Volunteers will be available to assist. We are still offering pick-up of donations as well, though if you can drop things off during the drive that would be appreciated!
