New York City is racing the clock to find enough volunteers for its annual HOPE count, the overnight tally of people sleeping in public spaces that was pushed to Tuesday night (March 10) from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. after a winter storm forced a delay. With fewer people signed up than in recent years, outreach teams are heading into the city’s streets, subways and public spaces knowing they may be short-handed.
Officials sound the alarm
New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine publicly urged New Yorkers to step up, writing that "NYC urgently needs your help" and warning that signups are running at roughly half of last year’s level, as posted by Mark D. Levine. His plea, along with news of the storm-related rescheduling, has already surfaced in local TV coverage, as reported by PIX11 via Yahoo.
How the HOPE count works
The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate, better known as HOPE, is the city’s yearly one-night survey of people sleeping in public spaces. Volunteers team up with outreach staff to walk preassigned routes, log what they see and offer connections to shelter and services, according to the city's volunteer registration page. That page also notes that HOPE 2026 was rescheduled for March 10 and records that about 1,200 volunteers joined the count in 2025, underscoring the scale of the effort per the HOPE registration site.
Why volunteers matter
City officials say the data from HOPE help determine where to send outreach teams, open temporary warming centers and bolster shelter resources, especially when temperatures plunge. The mayor’s office has tied the count directly to its winter-response strategy and has stressed that canvass teams are often the bridge that connects unsheltered New Yorkers to warmth and care, as outlined by the City of New York.
How to sign up
Would-be volunteers can grab a route and enroll in orientations and safety briefings through the city’s HOPE registration page, which explains what the overnight shift looks like and offers a short training for first-timers. Organizers say even small groups or neighborhood crews can help shore up coverage. Those interested can review available shifts and register at the HOPE registration page.
