3Keys’ Staff Volunteer for Atlanta’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count to Capture the Number of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Partners for HOME organized and led the City of Atlanta’s Point-in-Time Count for 2026. Five members of The 3Keys participated in the Night Count that encompassed Atlanta’s 243 neighborhoods.
Diane Hughes served as the Team Lead for one group and was accompanied by Natasha Gilbert, Racquel Lloyd, Stephanie Morgan, and Alena Johson from 3Keys. Volunteers met at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where they donned matching PIT Count t-shirts and reflective vests and got their teams organized. Between 7 p.m. on the 26th and 3 a.m. on the 27th, volunteers fanned out with 3Keys team members focused on canvassing southwest Atlanta.
Volunteers sought to count City of Atlanta residents who are unhoused, which can look like people staying on the streets, in cars, or in other places not meant for habitation. The 3Keys team encountered numerous people who were staying in tents, at bus stops, in fields, and outside store fronts.
One group of individuals was huddled around a fire they had built in a metal trash can in order to stay warm. The team also spoke with an elderly man who was panhandling on the exit ramp of the highway and a couple who were sleeping in their tent.
Everyone the 3Keys team encountered was willing to participate in the survey, graciously sharing their personal stories and struggles in order to assist with survey data.
Teams also distributed care packages with food, warm clothing, and hygiene supplies.
The Atlanta PIT Count in 2026 coincided with a harsh cold snap, with temperatures dropping into the single digits and feeling as low as two degrees with wind chill. Thanks to City warming centers opening their doors, the 3Keys team counted less unsheltered individuals than previous years.
Originally scheduled for Monday, January 26, the PIT Count was moved in 2026 due to inclement weather.
Diane noted that “The PIT count is a heartbreaking experience, but a worthy one as it reinforces the need to continue to build resources for our unhoused neighbors.”
For the unincorporated parts of Atlanta, Fulton and DeKalb counties held PIT Counts on different nights. 3Keys staff members Khadijah Irving and Floris Pamphile volunteered with the DeKalb PIT Count on Feb. 12.
Read more about the PIT Count and what it means to volunteer in our blog post here: Call for Volunteers for Atlanta’s 2026 Point in Time Count of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness.
Check out the City of Atlanta’s PIT Count video on instagram and on Facebook to catch a glimpse of how the night unfolds. More information can also be found on Partner’s for HOME’s website.
