On the night of Tuesday, January 25th, 2022, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey, a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter that helps the City estimate the number of unsheltered New Yorkers living on the street on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the City with valuable information that helps determine how best to allocate resources in support of New Yorkers in need.
Every January, thousands of volunteers across the five boroughs participate in NYC’s annual HOPE survey. Volunteers canvass streets, subway stations, parks, and other public spaces across the city to identify individuals living unsheltered. Volunteers are needed from approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the night of January 25th.
Thanks to the efforts of past volunteers along with the ongoing 24/7/365 efforts of DHS outreach workers via our HOME-STAT outreach program, we have helped more than 4,200 New Yorkers come off the streets and into transitional and/or permanent housing since 2016.
Of course, the safety of everyone involved in HOPE is our highest priority and a range of COVID safety policies and procedures will be in place, including:
Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. Volunteer participation is essential to helping us address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our City’s most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.
