The Joint Office of Homelessness Prevention Begins 2026 Point-in-Time Homeless Count

OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2026) - The Joint Office of Homeless Prevention began conducting the annual Point-in-Time Count today, Jan. 21. This federally required census provides a snapshot of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community on a single night.

The Point-in-Time Count is a critical tool used to secure federal and state funding for housing and support services. The data helps the Ocala-Marion County Joint Office on Homelessness Prevention identify trends, allocate resources effectively and measure progress toward making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.

How the Count Works:

• Sheltered Count: Surveys will be conducted with individuals staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.
• Unsheltered Count: Teams of trained volunteers and outreach workers will canvas Ocala and Marion County to engage with individuals living in places not meant for human habitation, including cars, parks and streets.
• Data Usage: Results will be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and used to inform local policy and funding decisions throughout 2026.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Community Development Services at 352-629-8280.

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