Ocean County to Conduct 2026 Point-in-Time Count to Address Homelessness

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Jan. 22, 2026 - PRLog -- — Ocean County's Homeless Prevention and Assistance Coalition (OCHPAC), in partnership with community organizations and volunteers, will conduct the 2026 Ocean County Point-in-Time (PIT) Count from January 28 through February 3, 2026. The annual count is part of the statewide New Jersey Point-in-Time Count and is designed to identify and better understand homelessness across the county.

The Point-in-Time Count is a federally mandated effort that provides a snapshot of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night. The data collected helps inform local, state, and federal planning, funding decisions, and service delivery aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.

During the count period, outreach teams will survey individuals residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, safe havens, and locations not meant for human habitation. In addition to data collection, outreach teams and survey sites will offer food, donations, and connections to community services, ensuring that participation also provides immediate support.

Community-based street outreach activities will take place beginning Wednesday, January 28, 2026, through Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Survey sites will be available on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, including:

• JBJ Soul Kitchen / The BEAT Center
  1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Great Bay Gospel Fellowship
  820 Radio Road, Mystic Island | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Affordable Housing Alliance / TRHHC Day Center
  405 Washington Street, Toms River | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

In preparation for winter conditions, Code Blue Warming Centers will be open on the night of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the following locations:

• Ocean County Site (CSPNJ), 1959 Route 9, Toms River
• Warm Hearts, 764 Ocean Avenue, Lakewood
• St. John's Zion AME, 114 First Street, Lakewood
• Family Promise, 2445 Windsor Avenue, Toms River

The Ocean County Point-in-Time Count reinforces the message that "Todas Cuentan — Everyone Counts." The initiative highlights the importance of recognizing every individual's experience and ensuring that those facing housing instability are seen, heard, and connected to resources.

For more information about the 2026 Ocean County Point-in-Time Count: https://www.facebook.com/events/1453074036381839/?acontex...