What is HOPE?
The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) is an annual survey conducted during the last 10 days in January to estimate the number of unsheltered individuals in New York City. Each year, thousands of volunteers are needed to canvass areas across the city to survey people about their housing status.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Volunteers register for a HOPE site among the many across the city. Volunteer training will be provided via video and webinar before the night of HOPE. On the night of HOPE, volunteers arrive at their site by 10 pm and are assigned to teams of 2 to 4 people. All necessary materials are provided onsite (additional instructions, PPE, volunteer badges, etc.). Around midnight, teams are deployed to canvass their assigned areas and collect survey data via an app on their phone. You and your team will conduct a brief survey with each individual you encounter that is designed to assess each person’s housing situation and offer transportation to shelter for anyone who is experiencing homelessness. Canvassing can last until 4 am, at which time you will contact your site leader to check out remotely before going home. Click here to watch the volunteer training video.
When is HOPE?
HOPE usually occurs during the last 10 days in January and is conducted overnight after shelter curfew. This year, HOPE 2025 will take place on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025. While we ask that you prepare to be out until 4 am, many volunteer teams complete their assignments earlier.
If there is inclement weather, the backup date for HOPE 2025 will be Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.
How do I sign up for HOPE?
Click here to register for HOPE. You can also register for HOPE by clicking on the blue “register here” button at the top of this page! All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. A parent or guardian must accompany those 16 or 17 years old.
What happens if I need to cancel my registration or change my HOPE volunteer site?
To cancel your registration or change your HOPE volunteer site, you can log back into your account on the registration portal page and do so there.
Click here to return to the registration portal to change or cancel your registration.
Can my friends, family or co-workers volunteer with me?
Yes! People who want to volunteer together should register for the same HOPE site. It is important to remember that sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please register as soon as possible. Try to arrive at a site together and let your site leader know you want to volunteer as a group. Group sizes cannot exceed certain sizes, so you may need to split up.
What does it mean to be a team leader?
Each team will designate a team leader. Team Leaders are responsible for managing the team of volunteers. The responsibilities of a team leader include assisting team members in understanding the survey, serving as the primary liaison with District Captains, and ensuring that surveys are accurate and accounted for in the HOPE mobile application. Volunteers may also look to the team leader for guidance on approaching and interacting with homeless individuals.
What are the safety and security measures provided for volunteers?
Volunteers work in teams of two to four people and are instructed to remain with their fellow volunteers at all times. No one should conduct this survey on their own. We do not send volunteers into abandoned buildings or private establishments; the survey is limited to public streets, parks, and subway stations. Staff remain at the training sites throughout the night to stay in contact with volunteer teams via cell phone. No one should continue to canvass an area if they feel unsafe – let your site leader know, and we can make other arrangements. Based on NYPD’s recommendations, police officers will accompany some volunteer teams to ensure their safety. Masks and other PPE will be provided.
I am a NYC employee; can I receive comp time for volunteering?
Many NYC agencies offer comp time to participate in HOPE. However, all agencies are different, so you will need to follow up with a supervisor or timekeeping department for more information. The HOPE team will send volunteers timekeeping instructions and documentation after the night of HOPE.
What if I have more questions?
Please complete the email form on our contact page, and someone will get back to you shortly. You can also send the HOPE team an email at [email protected] or call the HOPE Hotline at (929) 925-4905 for more information.