The Coffee Oasis in both Pierce and Kitsap Counties partnered with local organizations to participate in the 2026 Point-in-Time Count. In both counties, counts were conducted on-site at local drop-in centers, through outreach, and within service events.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “The Point-in-Time Count provides the homeless assistance community with the data needed to understand the number and characteristics of persons who are homeless at one point in time.”

Staff in Pierce County deployed outreach teams to assist with street and encampment counts, hand out resources, and meet people during the day and night. They also partnered with Project Homeless Connect to connect folks with valuable resources and essential services such as free lunch, emergency dental care, healthcare enrollment, access to showers, and haircuts.

On top of outreach efforts, youth program staff faithfully served youth and young adults at the Tacoma drop-in center during normal hours and made sure the young adult population was adequately represented in this year’s count.

These efforts to count those experiencing homelessness in our community are vital.

“This nationwide effort brings together folks across professional fields, class divides, religious beliefs, and every other dividing factor, to outreach to the hidden, forgotten, and stigmatized in our community.” Katie, youth program staff

This supports counties in making decisions for program needs. It also helps HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) make decisions regarding which states need the most financial support for the lack of adequate housing.

The Coffee Oasis shares data as Impact Reports throughout the year and for a larger annual report. We hope the numbers help you to understand the needs of youth, ages 13-25, in Kitsap and Pierce counties.

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