J Bar J Youth Services, Central Oregon’s largest provider of youth services, is partnering with the Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC) and nonprofit agencies across the region to conduct the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) Count, a critical effort to measure homelessness and guide future resources for individuals, youth, and families experiencing housing instability.
The PIT Count is a federally required census of people experiencing homelessness, conducted annually as part of a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Locally, the effort is coordinated by the Homeless Leadership Coalition, Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care, and carried out by service providers such as J Bar J Youth Services.
“Participating in the Point in Time Count is one of the most important ways we ensure that the needs of young people and families experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon are accurately represented,” said Stephanie Alvestad, CEO of J Bar J Youth Services. “The data gathered through this effort directly influences the funding and programs that allow us to support youth in crisis and help them move toward stability.”
What Is the Point in Time Count?
The Point in Time Count is the only source of nationwide data on sheltered and unsheltered homelessness and is required of all communities receiving federal funding for housing and homeless services. The count provides a snapshot of homelessness on a single night and helps federal, state, and local leaders understand the scope and characteristics of the issue.
In addition to counting the total number of people experiencing homelessness, the PIT Count collects important demographic information such as:
- Age
- Gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Veteran status
- Disability status
This information supports local planning, strengthens grant applications, and helps shape policies and programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.
Who Is Counted?
Individuals and families included in the PIT Count may be living in:
- Emergency shelters
- Transitional housing
- “Doubled up” or precariously housed with friends or family
- Outdoors, in cars, RVs without hookups, or in camps
- Other places not designed for human habitation
Youth in our community are particularly difficult to count since they are often couch surfing, living in garages, or other unsafe living situations. Runaway and abandoned youth often don’t shelters or social services because of a past trauma. It is critical that we find youth experiencing homelessness in our community to get them the help and resources they need.
J Bar J’s Role in the 2026 Count
J Bar J Youth Services will conduct PIT Count surveys through both its shelter programs and its street outreach teams, ensuring that youth and young families experiencing homelessness are included in the data. These efforts are especially critical for capturing the experiences of unaccompanied youth and young adults who may not access traditional shelter services.
“Many young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view, staying temporarily with friends or avoiding systems altogether,” said Andrew Scott, Director of Residential Services. “Our outreach teams are uniquely positioned to connect with these youth and make sure their experiences are counted.”
Why It Matters
An accurate PIT Count has a direct impact on the amount of federal funding available for homeless services in Central Oregon. It also provides critical insight into trends affecting housing insecurity and homelessness, particularly among youth and families.
J Bar J Youth Services is Central Oregon’s largest provider of youth services, offering a continuum of programs that support young people and families facing housing instability, abuse, neglect, and other serious challenges. Programs include: Grandma’s House, Cascade Youth and Family Service, J Bar J Youth Ranch, Kindred Connections, Anti-Trafficking Project and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.
J Bar J’s work includes emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth and families, street outreach and crisis response, foster care and family reunification services, and prevention programs that strengthen families and help young people remain safely housed. Through trauma-informed care, J Bar J Youth Services works to ensure that every child and young person in Central Oregon can grow up safe, supported, and connected to their community.
