New York City is seeking volunteers to participate in an overnight homeless count as Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches his administration's efforts to tackle homelessness. The annual point-in-time tally of homeless individuals sleeping outdoors is a federal requirement for cities receiving federal funding, aiming to steer resources and services toward those not residing in shelters.
Mamdani promises to bolster the city's homeless outreach efforts, stating that "the work of creating a better city requires our commitment, engagement and effort every day." The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) count comes at a time when the mayor is working to address the city's unique right-to-shelter mandate, which has resulted in only about 3% of homeless New Yorkers living on the streets.
In contrast, Los Angeles reports that 70% of its homeless population is experiencing homelessness outdoors. New York City's Department of Social Services has focused on increasing Safe Haven and stabilization beds with more relaxed rules than traditional shelters, helping connect over 1,000 people to permanent homes last year.
To support this initiative, the city is now seeking volunteers for the HOPE count, set to take place from January 27th at 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Volunteers will be grouped across the five boroughs to identify individuals sleeping on subways, streets, and parks on a given night. The call comes as federal actions threaten to undermine the city's safety net, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
Volunteers can sign up for the count online and play a crucial role in helping City officials better understand the scope of homelessness in New York City.
Mamdani promises to bolster the city's homeless outreach efforts, stating that "the work of creating a better city requires our commitment, engagement and effort every day." The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) count comes at a time when the mayor is working to address the city's unique right-to-shelter mandate, which has resulted in only about 3% of homeless New Yorkers living on the streets.
In contrast, Los Angeles reports that 70% of its homeless population is experiencing homelessness outdoors. New York City's Department of Social Services has focused on increasing Safe Haven and stabilization beds with more relaxed rules than traditional shelters, helping connect over 1,000 people to permanent homes last year.
To support this initiative, the city is now seeking volunteers for the HOPE count, set to take place from January 27th at 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Volunteers will be grouped across the five boroughs to identify individuals sleeping on subways, streets, and parks on a given night. The call comes as federal actions threaten to undermine the city's safety net, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
Volunteers can sign up for the count online and play a crucial role in helping City officials better understand the scope of homelessness in New York City.
. Like, I get it, gotta help out, but do we really need to count people sleeping on streets? It's just gonna be a bunch of stats and numbers, right? And what's with the city only doing 3% on-street homelessness when LA is like totally overwhelmed at 70% 
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. I think it's awesome that Mayor Mamdani is taking action to tackle this issue, but we need more than just a promise to make a difference. We should be doing more to support those struggling with homelessness. It's not fair that some people are sleeping on the streets or in subways while others have access to safe and stable housing 
. I'm definitely signing up for the HOPE count, it's our chance to make a real impact. Let's show up and help count those who need our support 
.
i feel bad 4 ppl livin on streets but its crazy that LA has like 70% of homeless people outskt, meanwhile NYC only got like 3% lol what can be done tho? idk if volunteers can really make a diff but its def better than nothing 
did u hear about the new safe haven beds in nyc tho they helped like over 1k ppl last yr 
just wondering why they need volunteers to do what's basically counting people sleeping on the streets... can't they just use drones or something? 
Also, what's up with this "right-to-shelter" thingy... does it mean everyone has a bed if they wanna have one? 
. I'm definitely signing up to volunteer for the HOPE count, wanna make sure those numbers add up right 
. Gotta support our mayor and all, even if it's just a tiny part 
.
! It's crazy how much homelessness has affected our city, especially when you think about how many ppl are living on the streets instead of getting proper support. I mean, 3% is a really low number considering we're one of the most populous cities in the world. And LA is already dealing with like 70% of their homeless population being outdoors... it's heartbreaking.
. We need more funding and resources, not just a few thousand volunteers counting people on the sidewalk 
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, as someone who's been noticing street homeless ppl around the city more often lately, it's about time we take action to make things right. 70% of people in la are experiencing homelessness outdoors? that's just devastating 
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. Can't our city just figure out how to provide for everyone? It feels like we're stuck in this cycle of neglecting the most vulnerable members of society 
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. Maybe together, we can actually do something about it 
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. The fact that NYC is taking proactive steps to tackle homelessness, especially with their unique right-to-shelter mandate, is super inspiring 
. I mean, 3% of homeless New Yorkers living on the streets? That's a drop in the bucket compared to LA's 70%! 
. It's all about community engagement and ownership, right? By getting everyday people involved, it's more likely that you'll see real change 
. Increasing Safe Haven and stabilization beds with more relaxed rules than traditional shelters is a game-changer 
. It shows that NYC is committed to providing more than just a place to sleep, but a way of life 
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! Every little bit counts, even if it's just a few hours of your time 
. Let's get to work and make NYC a more compassionate place 
!