NYC’s HOPE Survey of Homelessness Set for Monday, January 27

One night each January, in communities all across America, a count is conducted of people who are homeless, including those on the streets with no place to go for shelter and those housed in temporary shelters without stable housing of their own. This “point-in-time” (PIT) count for 2013 documented nearly a 4% decrease in homelessness in America. Unfortunately in New York City it estimated more than 64,000 homeless men, women and children – a 13% increase from the 2012 PIT count, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In New York City this annual PIT count is called the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) and it’s conducted by volunteers working with the city Department of Homeless Services (DHS). This year’s count will be conducted on the evening of Monday, January 27. The City is looking for 3,000 volunteers to sign up and lend a hand.

How to Help

Volunteers must be 18-years-of-age or older and are trained and supervised by DHS. If you want to take part you can get information and sign up at the Department of Homeless Services website at www.nyc.gov.dhs.
It’s a valuable contribution, and it’s really an education. Each year, and again this year, a number of Care for the Homeless client leaders and staff participate. Last year, and not for the first time, CFH Executive Director Bobby Watts was one of those volunteers.  

Join Care for the Homeless and Volunteer on January 27!

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