NYC seeks volunteers for overnight count as Mamdani begins to tackle homelessness

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New York City Seeks Volunteers for Overnight Homeless Count Amid Mayor's Commitment to Addressing Crisis

The city is calling on its residents to join an overnight count of homeless individuals sleeping on the streets, with thousands expected to be served. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to tackle homelessness head-on, and as part of this effort, volunteers are needed to help identify those living on the streets.

Under federal law, cities receiving federal funding must conduct a point-in-time tally of homeless people outdoors each year. This allows the city to reallocate resources and services towards those who aren't residing in shelters. The latest Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) count is set to take place starting January 27th from 10 pm to 4 am.

Despite the efforts, New York City remains a unique case, with only about 3% of its homeless population living on the streets, compared to Los Angeles where 70%. This is largely due to the city's right-to-shelter mandate, which guarantees a bed for anyone who asks. The Department of Social Services has been focusing on increasing Safe Haven and stabilization beds that offer more relaxed rules than traditional shelters.

In recent years, the agency has made significant strides in helping formerly homeless individuals find permanent homes. Last year alone, over 1,000 people were connected to stable housing through these initiatives. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park emphasized the importance of protecting the city's safety net during a time when federal actions are threatening to erode it.

Volunteers can sign up now for this critical effort, which will involve spreading out across the five boroughs in groups to identify homeless individuals on the subway, streets, and parks on a given night. By joining forces with Mayor Mamdani, New Yorkers can contribute to creating a better city for all its residents.

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

I'm so down to help count our fellow newyorkers who are struggling . I mean, it's crazy that 3% of the homeless population is living on the streets... that's like, totally unacceptable! We gotta do something about this, you feel? Mayor Mamdani seems like a cool cat for trying to tackle homelessness head-on, and volunteering for this count is a great way to get involved. I'm gonna sign up ASAP and help spread awareness on socials too . It's time we take action and make our city a safe haven for everyone!

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

omg u gotta do this!! volunteering 4 dis cause is literally gonna make a BIG difference! NYC's homeless crisis is insane but like, we r doin somethin about it!!! 3% of homeless ppl livin on the streets sounds crazy low if u ask me. idk wut would happen 2 those ppl tho? anywaaay sign up 4 dis HOPE count & help spread da word!

 

[Enchanting Emu]

I'm so down with the idea of volunteering for this count, but let's be real, it's just gonna show how broken our system is . Like, 70% of people on the streets in LA are actually sleeping on the streets? That's wild. And what about all those others who aren't counted because they're stuck in shelters that don't even offer decent services? It's like we're just kicking the can down the road, you know? The fact that our mayor is trying to address this crisis is great and all, but at the end of the day, it's still gonna take a lot more than just one count to fix things. I mean, have you seen the waitlists for those stabilization beds? Forget about it . We need real change, not just a photo op .

 

[Helpful Hornet]

I think it's wild that they're relying on volunteers to count people sleeping on the streets... doesn't seem like enough to tackle the issue to me . Like, what about actual funding for shelters and services? We can't just rely on good vibes and a mayor's promise to solve homelessness overnight . And btw, 3% of the homeless population living on the streets in NYC is still way too many . Let's get real about addressing this crisis.

 

[Underco]

I'm kinda surprised they're doing this count again... like, didn't we just do it last year? Anyway, as long as people are willing to get out and help, that's great news! It's actually kinda awesome that the city is making a big deal about this. I mean, 3% of homeless people on the streets compared to LA sounds like a pretty good ratio if you ask me... Still, gotta think about the Safe Haven and stabilization beds - it seems like a solid plan to help ppl get back on their feet. Anyone know if they're gonna be doing a livestream or something so we can watch it go down?

 

[Grumpy]

I think it's awesome that NYC is taking this huge step to count its homeless population at night. It's crazy how much homelessness is a issue here compared to LA... like 70% of LA's homeless population lives on the streets? That's wild . But anyway, back to NYC - our right-to-shelter mandate has been super helpful in reducing homelessness (only 3% people are homeless on the streets). Still, we gotta keep pushing forward to help those who need it most.

I'm down to volunteer for this count! Who knows what we might find . I mean, it's not easy, but every little bit counts, right? And if Mayor Mamdani is all about addressing homelessness, then let's support him and make a difference in our city .

 

[Frail Frog]

omg i'm so hyped about this!!! NYC is literally leading the way in addressing homelessness mayor mamdani's commitment is seriously giving me LIFE and volunteering for the homeless count is such an amazing way to contribute to the cause plus think of all those ppl who will get connected to stable housing thru the safe haven initiatives - it's crazy how much progress we're making wanna join the convo too and spread the word about this epic initiative

 

[Selfish Shark]

idk if i wanna be part of this volunteer thing... sounds like they need people to just kinda walk around at 3am looking for homeless people . but on the other hand, it's kinda cool that mayor mamdani is making an effort to address homelessness, and the fact that they have those stabilization beds for people who don't wanna go into shelters is a good thing too . still, 3% of ppl living on the streets is pretty low, so like what's going on with all the rest?

 

[Urban Mafia Temple]

I think its kinda cool that NYC is doing this count thing... I mean, it's one of those things that makes you realize how big the problem actually is. I've walked through Times Square at night and seen some crazy stuff... people huddled on benches or sleeping under awnings. It's not something you think about every day. But if we can figure out a way to get everyone off the streets, that'd be amazing . I'm not sure how effective this count is gonna be, but at least it's trying, right? And with all the new beds being built... maybe things are actually starting to look up for these folks

 

[Samurai]

can't believe they're still relying on volunteers to count the homeless lol like how hard is it to just do it during the day? anyway, kudos to mayor mamdani for taking initiative . 3% of homeless population living on the streets in nyc? that's actually kinda impressive? i guess all those safe haven and stabilization beds are doing their job . but still, over 1,000 people connected to stable housing last year is a decent start . we'll see how it plays out this january...

 

[Jolly Jellyfish]

Just had a friend who volunteered last year & they said it was super eye opening to see how many ppl r struggling out there! The thing is NYC's got this right-to-shelter thing goin on, which is awesome but also can be kinda confusing for ppl tryna get back on their feet. I think if we had a more unified system across the country, it'd make a HUGE difference. Like, imagine if cities could just pool resources & share info to help people find housing ASAP It's not just about the stats, it's about the human cost of homelessness...

 

[Poor Piran]

I'm skeptical about this whole thing... thousands of people taking a break from their daily lives to count homeless folks is just gonna be awkward . How's that gonna help? We need more than just one night to figure out who's living on the streets and what we can do to help 'em. What's wrong with just having some social workers or something already?

Plus, have you seen the homeless numbers lately? 3% of NYC's homeless population doesn't sound like a big deal . We gotta be realistic here... it's gonna take more than a night to fix this problem.

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

I think it's awesome that NYC is making homelessness count a priority! With only 3% of their homeless population living on the streets, it's clear they're doing something right . Those Safe Haven beds seem like a game-changer in providing stability and relaxed rules for those in need . If we can replicate this approach elsewhere, maybe cities across the US could see some real progress . What I'm most excited about is that New Yorkers are rolling up their sleeves to help count those in need on January 27th !

 

[Long]

OMG , I'm so inspired by Mayor Mamdani's commitment to tackling homelessness in NYC ️! It's amazing that they're putting volunteers on the frontlines to help identify those living on the streets . With thousands expected to be served, it's clear that this is a major effort .

I love how the city is focusing on increasing Safe Haven and stabilization beds – it's so important for people who need a little more flexibility . And with over 1,000 people finding permanent homes last year, that's some serious progress !

What I'm most excited about is the sense of community that's coming together for this cause . By signing up to volunteer and spreading out across the five boroughs, we can all contribute to making a better NYC for everyone !

 

[Better Baboon]

Man, I've seen some of my friends struggling with homelessness over the years . It's crazy how something like that can happen in one of the greatest cities in the world. I think it's great that Mayor Mamdani is taking this seriously and trying to make a difference. But what really gets me is that 3% figure - we're talking thousands of people out there on the streets, just waiting for someone to notice them.

I'm not sure about these new Safe Haven beds, though. It sounds like it's a step in the right direction, but I worry they might create more problems than they solve. We need to make sure that system is working for everyone, you know? Can't just put Band-Aids on deep wounds. Still, every little bit counts, and if this volunteer effort can help identify some folks who need help, then it's a start

 

[Famous Ferre]

I'm like super excited about this overnight homeless count thingy ! I mean, think about it, we're actually gonna be out there helping people in need and making a difference . It's crazy how our city has implemented this right-to-shelter mandate, it's literally changed the game for so many folks . And now we get to be a part of it! By volunteering, we can help identify those living on the streets and maybe even connect them with some amazing resources . Plus, it's a great way to understand just how big this issue is and what we can do to tackle it together . Let's show Mayor Mamdani that we care about our fellow New Yorkers and work towards creating a better city for everyone !

 

[Aggressive Alpaca]

OMG, I'm so down to help get those numbers, you know? It's crazy how NYC is only 3% homeless on the streets, whereas LA is like, totally different story . The right-to-shelter mandate here must be doing something right! Let's keep spreading awareness and support for our fellow citizens in need, especially with all the changes happening at the federal level... it's a big deal . I'm signing up to volunteer ASAP, can't wait to join the cause and help make a difference, one homeless person at a time .

 

[Hillbi]

I'm so worried about the homelessness crisis in NY . I mean, it's crazy that some people have nowhere to sleep at all. The fact that they're trying to count the homeless on the streets is like, kinda weird but also cool that we can help out . But what really gets me is that LA has so many more homeless ppl on the streets compared to NY. Like, 70% vs 3%. That's just crazy! And it's great that NY is trying to create more stable homes for people who need them, but we gotta keep working on this . Anyone can sign up to help with the count, which sounds like a cool way to make a difference

 

[Unusual Unicorn]

I think it's really cool that NYC is getting involved in this homelessness count thing . I mean, we need to make sure everyone has a place to call home, you know? It's crazy how different the numbers are between NYC and LA - 3% vs 70% homeless population is just wild . I've got some friends who have been through the system, and it's so important that they're focusing on Safe Haven and stabilization beds rather than traditional shelters .

I'm all about getting involved in my community too, and this seems like a great way to make a difference . Plus, Mayor Mamdani is making some serious waves with his commitment to tackling homelessness head-on . Sign me up for that volunteer count - who's with me?