With record number of homelessness still an issue across the city, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is once again requesting New Yorkers volunteer to help the agency’s annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey happening at the end of the month.

The overnight HOPE Survey on Jan. 28 provides the agency a chance to collect data that will aid outreach teams in year-round efforts to address street homelessness while providing accurate estimates of un-sheltered homeless individuals in the city, particularly during the year’s coldest of nights when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.

“Thanks to increased investment, enhanced coordination, and improved data, our HOME-STAT [Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement Street Action Teams] outreach program has helped more than 2,000 New Yorkers experiencing un-sheltered homelessness come off the streets and subways,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “We’re calling on New Yorkers from all five boroughs to help us conduct our citywide survey so we can continue to get our un-sheltered neighbors the help they need.”

DHS has picked out five meeting places in the Bronx, where teams will canvas the area. The count is also needed for DHS to qualify for federal funding it needs to combat homelessness.

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, a large number of the street homeless population in the city live with mental illnesses and severe health issues that have gone unaddressed. Since 2014, the de Blasio Administration has worked to offer resources through outreach including investing $100 million into street homeless programs.

“Every one of the 2,000 New Yorkers that has accepted services and come indoors is an individual victory,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter. “The insights we will gather on Jan. 28 will help us take our persistent and compassionate outreach even further to meet all New Yorkers in need where they are as they get back on their feet.”

Last year, the Bronx saw major improvements, with 119 street homeless counted in 2018 compared to 255 street homeless counted the year before.

Editor’s Note: The count runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Those interested in volunteering in this year’s citywide event should visit nyc.gov/hope to register and can watch a video learn more about joining HOPE 2019.