Hello $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$!

Tucson’s Point-In-Time Survey: a surveyor’s experience

by Dave Gamrath, Tucson Hope Factory

On January 29, 2025, I volunteered for the Point-in-Time Count in Tucson. This was my third year participating, and once again, the pre-dawn temperature was at freezing.

My team’s designated area stretched from Oracle Road east to Campbell Avenue and from Grant Road north to Prince Road. Sadly, we encountered dozens of people who had slept outside the night before.

The goal of the count is to survey individuals in our area who spent the night outdoors, asking them questions designed to help improve services for unhoused individuals. The survey takes up to 10 minutes and includes deeply personal questions, so as a small token of appreciation, we provide each participant with a $10 McDonald's gift card. Only one person declined my request for an interview, as a $10 meal at McDonald's was clearly a big deal. This year, I surveyed 17 individuals, and the experience reaffirmed an important truth: every person experiencing homelessness is on a different journey. Each individual has a unique story, but all share the reality of not having a home or shelter.

I met many people going through incredibly difficult times—some situations were truly heartbreaking. The individuals I interviewed ranged in age from just 19 to 65. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and gracious. Most were not high, though a few were. Several people I spoke with were in wheelchairs and living on the street. Even with five layers, a scarf, and a hat, I was freezing—I can only imagine how cold they were with far less clothing.

The Point-in-Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order for the City of Tucson to secure federal funding for homelessness services. Ironically, the day before the PIT Count, news broke that the Trump administration attempted to halt HUD funding, potentially jeopardizing programs like this.

In my volunteer work building micro-shelters for the homeless, securing funding—especially for establishing villages and providing essential services—is always a major challenge. Finding funds for permanent affordable housing is even more difficult. Seeing funding reduced or eliminated at a time of crisis is beyond frustrating.

But our work continues. The Tucson Hope Factory, where we will build micro-shelters as transitional housing, is moving forward with strong momentum—including support from multiple departments at the University of Arizona. In Seattle, where I spend summers building these shelters, our Hope Factory remains the most inspiring organization I’ve ever worked with. It seems that under this new federal administration, our work is not only becoming more difficult but also more critical. We will keep pushing forward.

On a personal note, and somewhat selfishly, experiences like this morning serve as an important point of reflection. I am profoundly grateful for the life I have. I hope you’ll continue to keep the faith and stay engaged in helping your own community.