01/22/2026
For Immediate Press Release
Community Action NOW! to Host 2026 Newton County Point-in-Time Count
Volunteers and Community Support Needed for Critical Homelessness Data Collection
Covington, GA — January 22, 2026 — Community Action NOW! (CAN) will host the 2026 Newton County Point-in-Time (PIT) Count on January 26, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, in coordination with the Georgia Balance of State Continuum of Care and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The Point-in-Time Count is a federally required, one-night census of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The data collected during the PIT Count directly influences how much federal and state funding Newton County receives for housing assistance, emergency shelter, outreach services, and supportive housing programs.
Volunteers will convene at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office – West Side Precinct, located at 3612 Salem Road, Covington, GA 30016, beginning at 8:00 PM for orientation and deployment. Volunteers will work in teams of two to respectfully engage individuals experiencing homelessness and complete surveys using a smartphone or tablet through the Counting Us mobile application. Teams will then disperse to assigned locations throughout Newton County as designated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Community members may also support the effort through donations. Donation drop-off will take place at the West Side Precinct between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Requested items include new hygiene products, new socks, hats, gloves, new or gently worn coats, pre-packaged snacks, and bottled water.
Volunteer requirements include being 18 years or older, having access to a smartphone or tablet, the ability to walk short distances, dressing in layers in preparation for freezing temperatures, and downloading the Counting Us app for iPhone or Android. Volunteer registration is available at https://georgiabos.pointintime.info/.
Accurate PIT Count data ensures agencies within Newton County can compete for essential funding that supports emergency shelter and outreach programs, rapid rehousing and supportive housing, mental health and substance use services, and case management and housing navigation.
“This count is about visibility and accountability,” said Iffat Walker, Executive Director of Community Action NOW!. “Data drives dollars, and accurate data ensures Newton County residents experiencing homelessness are not overlooked.”
In the event of inclement weather in the Newton County area, scheduling adjustments will be made, and registered volunteers will receive updates.
For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected]. To learn more about our work at Community Action NOW! please visit our website at www.communityactionnow.org
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