The City of Amarillo recently conducted its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a federally required effort aimed at measuring homelessness in the community. The survey, which took place overnight, involved over 100 volunteers canvassing the city to gather information on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. The data collected will help local agencies better understand the scope of the issue and advocate for funding to address critical needs.
Why the PIT Count Matters
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandates that communities conduct a PIT Count at least once every two years. However, Amarillo chooses to hold the count annually to track trends and identify gaps in services more effectively.
“This is really important for us to gather good data so that we know what we’re working with, as far as what resources we need to put out there to help people that are experiencing homelessness,” said Jason Riddlespurger, Director of Community Development for the City of Amarillo.
Beyond local impact, the data is submitted to HUD and shared with Congress to justify funding requests and determine whether existing programs are making a measurable difference.
Challenges in Obtaining an Accurate Count
One of the biggest obstacles in obtaining a reliable count is the difficulty in locating all individuals experiencing homelessness. The count primarily surveys unsheltered individuals, meaning those staying in shelters, on the streets, or in encampments. However, individuals who temporarily stay with friends, in motels, or other non-permanent living situations are not included, potentially leading to an underrepresentation of the true scale of homelessness in Amarillo.
Last year, cold temperatures led to fewer people being surveyed, raising concerns that the data did not fully reflect the community’s needs. This year, organizers are hopeful for a more accurate count, but acknowledge that some individuals may still be missed.
Providing Immediate Help: The Resource Fair
To provide direct assistance alongside data collection, the city hosted a resource fair at the Amarillo Civic Center, bringing together over 25 agencies offering a range of essential services.
“We’re actually doing on-site services today to reduce those barriers,” said Dr. Shannon James, Vice Chair of the Amarillo Continuum of Care. “We know people experiencing homelessness face many challenges—whether it be transportation, lack of knowledge, or even not having a cell phone to make an appointment.”
At the fair, individuals had access to:
Meals and hygiene products
Vaccinations and medical services
Mental health and addiction recovery support
Domestic violence resources
Job assistance programs
Childcare services
By offering these services in one place, organizers aimed to connect people with the resources they need immediately, rather than requiring them to navigate a complex system on their own.
A Growing Need for Identification Services
One of the biggest hurdles for individuals trying to secure housing or employment is lack of proper identification. Without an ID, people experiencing homelessness often cannot apply for government assistance, sign up for job interviews, or even enter some shelters.
“We’ve had record numbers of people needing help with that identification work to re-establish their identity,” said Virginia Williams Trice, Executive Director at Amarillo Housing First. “There are other entities helping as well, but the need is just incredible.”
Organizations like the Amarillo Resource Center provide assistance in obtaining birth certificates, social security cards, and state-issued IDs, helping individuals take the first step toward stability.
Looking Ahead: Transformation Park to Open in April
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, the City of Amarillo is preparing to open Transformation Park in April. The facility will serve as a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering:
Hot meals and hydration stations
Showers and hygiene facilities
Laundry services
Access to case management and job training programs
The goal of Transformation Park is not just to provide temporary relief, but to serve as a stepping stone toward long-term stability by connecting individuals with resources that address the root causes of homelessness.
What Happens Next?
Once the Point-in-Time Count data is compiled and analyzed, it will be presented to the Amarillo City Council and the community. The results will help shape local policies, guide funding decisions, and determine the most effective strategies for addressing homelessness in Amarillo.
Through initiatives like the PIT Count, resource fairs, and the upcoming Transformation Park, Amarillo is working to provide both immediate assistance and long-term solutions for individuals in need. As the community continues to grapple with homelessness, local officials and organizations remain committed to making a meaningful impact—one person at a time.
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