In a concerted effort to address homelessness, volunteers across Utah recently engaged in a statewide initiative known as the Point-in-Time Count, which took place early on January 29, 30, and 31, 2026. This annual event aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered, in communities across the state. Volunteers rose before dawn, gathering vital data that will inform policymakers and help direct resources to address homelessness in Utah. The Point-in-Time Count is a nationwide endeavor, with Utah's version coordinated by the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. The collected data serves multiple functions, primarily to inform government leaders about the extent and nature of homelessness in the area. According to volunteer coordinator Katie Zimmerman, the involvement of “lived experts,” or individuals who have previously experienced homelessness, plays a significant role in both the training of volunteers and the ongoing strategy to combat homelessness. Zimmerman emphasized the value these experts bring to the training process, stating, "They advise policy and where funding should be sent. They help with grant writing and present new ideas." This year, 57 of the volunteers participating in the count were lived experts themselves, which added a layer of personal insight to the undertaking. Jeffery Rose, an associate professor at the University of Utah, has actively involved his students in this initiative for the past six years. He noted the importance of practical engagement, saying, "I want students involved in the real world. It’s crucial to sensitize ourselves to community concerns and contribute positively." The recent count is particularly noteworthy as the state of Utah is shifting its approach to homelessness. Traditionally focused on the 'housing first' model, which prioritizes providing permanent housing before addressing other issues, state officials are now leaning toward interventions that emphasize accountability and treatment. This change is exemplified in a proposed homeless services campus that would feature 1,300 beds, targeting individuals who frequently interact with the criminal justice system. Governor Spencer Cox's office has indicated that this campus would include facilities for mental health treatment and an “accountability center” for addiction recovery, aiming to provide alternatives to incarceration. However, the proposal has drawn criticism, with advocates arguing that such measures risk criminalizing individuals experiencing homelessness and isolating them further from necessary support systems. Critics have expressed concerns that this approach could exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Executing the Point-in-Time Count involves thorough preparation. Volunteers undergo training sessions with the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, where they learn the process, receive essential supplies, and are assigned specific areas to survey. The count itself occurs between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., a time selected to maximize the likelihood of encountering individuals experiencing homelessness before the bustle of daily life begins. On the first morning of the count, Rose's group of students braved frigid temperatures at Herman Franks Park in Salt Lake City, embarking on their assigned track. They were informed by local law enforcement that the area surrounding Liberty Park had been cleared of homeless individuals, suggesting that many may be hiding in nearby neighborhoods. This reflects a broader problem that the volunteers encounter: the impact of law enforcement sweeps on the visibility and count of individuals experiencing homelessness. The volunteers conducted their search methodically, checking behind businesses and under vehicles. After an hour of searching, they marked their first count at 3:55 a.m. Upon encountering someone, volunteers introduce themselves and offer basic essentials such as food, water, and clothing. They then conduct a brief survey to gather information about the individual’s circumstances. If a person declines to participate, they are still counted anonymously, allowing for a more accurate representation of homelessness in the area. Interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness can vary; while some surveys are quick, others may take significantly longer as people share their stories. Justine Nicholson, one of Rose's students and group leaders, reflected on the emotional weight of these encounters. She shared a personal connection to the issue, revealing that her grandfather experienced homelessness for the last six years of his life due to medical debt. "I think that’s why I like doing this; I felt so hopeless then. What can a 16-year-old do?" she stated. The effectiveness of the Point-in-Time Count is a topic of ongoing discussion. Zimmerman, who helps to create the track maps for the count, explained that the previous year’s data is considered when designating areas as low, medium, or high density for homelessness. This year, Nicholson’s high-density zone yielded only three counts, raising concerns about the accuracy of the data. Although law enforcement is notified in advance to refrain from conducting sweeps during the count, past experiences suggest that such actions can disrupt the process. Rose articulated a broader perspective on homelessness, emphasizing that the issue transcends personal failures, often rooted in systemic challenges. "For those who get caught in this trap, it’s rarely due to personal problems; it’s due to structural problems we all contribute to as a society," he remarked. The Point-in-Time Count not only serves as a critical tool for gathering data but also highlights the ongoing need for structural reforms to effectively address the complex issue of homelessness in Utah.