The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE), an annual survey to assess the number of individuals living in New York City’s public spaces, has published the 2013 findings. A total of 3,180 people were counted—that’s almost 100 less than 2012. While this may not seem like a big decrease, it is a reduction during a time when we have seen the shelter numbers increase to over 50,000.

Although the streets had the lowest census since the count began in 2005, the subways had their highest. Of the 3,180 people counted—1,339 were counted on the streets and 1,841 in the subways. That’s a 62% drop for the street census since 2005 when 3,550 people were counted. The subways saw an increase reaching nearly 1,000 more people than the 845 individuals counted in 2005.

Robin Hood is the largest private funder of the street outreach teams, and we are working with the city to help move people from the subways into homes.

Thank you to all of the Robin Hood staff and supporters who participated in the count. This information is crucial to evaluating the outreach programs, allocating resources and ultimately helping more New Yorkers move off the streets and into safe homes.

All of the data from the count results can be accessed here:  2013 HOPE Street Count Results

SEE someone who is homeless?

Call 3-1-1!
Say: “There is a homeless person at [location] in need of services. Please connect me to the outreach team.”
If you have a smart phone, download the 311 app for even more convenience.

Please do not give money! If you must give something, give food, clothing, or shelter information.