General volunteers do not need to have experience to participate in HOPE.

You can complete the online orientation on the HOPE website. You will also receive training on the night of the survey at a volunteer site.

Team leaders manage the general volunteers on their team and often begin communication with homeless individuals or assign team members to do so.

You can volunteer to be a team leader if you are comfortable working with homeless individuals and have social service experience, or if you have participated in HOPE in the past.

Examples of social service experience include:

• Volunteering in a homeless shelter
• Volunteering in a soup kitchen
• Having a master's degree in social work
• Doing casework with people in need

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination when they arrive at their site and complete a health screening form prior to arrival.

Masks will be provided and must be worn indoors and while canvassing. PPE will also be provided. Spaces will be arranged to promote social distancing and training and dismissal will occur remotely.

If public health conditions change, HOPE will be suspended for volunteers, and you will be notified in early January.

On the night of the survey, you should dress warmly with a winter coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. If it is raining or expected to rain, you should bring an umbrella or poncho.

Transportation during HOPE is not provided. You need a MetroCard to travel to and from the training site and survey locations.

You are strongly encouraged to carry your cell phone, so you can stay in contact with team members and site captains.

Light snacks and hot beverages will be provided to volunteers at the training site.

HOPE will only be rescheduled in the event of extreme winter weather. It will not be cancelled for rain or light snow.  

If there is an extreme weather event, you can find out if HOPE has been cancelled by checking the Department of Homeless Services' website or calling the on the day of the event.

Online

Visit the Department of Homeless Services' website.

By Phone

You can get help if you have questions about the event or need help registering to volunteer.

By Email

Send the HOPE team an email at HOPE@dss.nyc.gov.

By Phone