Hospital Homeless Count
Counting the “hidden homeless” in New York City hospitals
Every January, the NYC Department of Homeless Services conducts its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Count. This event, which takes place in the middle of the night during the winter, consists of an outdoor street count throughout the five boroughs and MTA system to identify homeless individuals.
Understanding that homeless and unstably housed populations are a significant driver of hospital-based health care utilization, in 2014 the Consortium began its own count of people experiencing homelessness in hospital emergency departments on the night of the DHS HOPE Count. These patients can be considered the “hidden homeless” because they are indoors and not subject to being counted during HOPE. The Consortium saw the need to better understand the health and housing needs of Bronx residents so that we could effectively coordinate existing services and advocate for more appropriate resources. While that need still exists, the COVID-19 pandemic halted our annual hospital counts. Below you can see findings from the last Hospital Homeless Count we conducted in 2020 and read reports from previous years.
2020 Findings
On January 27, 2020—the same night of the New York City Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) throughout NYC streets and subways—the Health & Housing Consortium led an independent effort to count the number of people experiencing homelessness who were seeking care or shelter in NYC hospitals. This population is considered the “hidden homeless” because they are missed by the City’s estimate. Volunteers surveyed individuals in emergency department (ED) treatment areas and waiting rooms and other non-medical locations such as lobbies and hallways.
226 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness were counted in NYC hospitals on a single night
