Boston's Annual Homeless Census

On the night of Tuesday, December 18, volunteers will brave the cold streets of Boston to help us all understand what homelessness really looks like. The City of Boston will coordinate a homeless census, as they do every year, that will provide critical information to the public about how many people are experiencing homelessness on that given night.

Within Boston, the volunteers attempt to capture the total number of people without a permanent place to stay - families staying in shelter, veterans seeking a night out of the cold, and others who find no safe place at all. It's difficult work, but without a good understanding of the extent of the problem we cannot expect programs and policies to adequately address the needs of the population. Particularly this year, as the Governor convenes the Commission on Homelessness, we must have the best information we can get. With this more accurate understanding, local and state governments can more effectively allocate resources to end homelessness throughout Boston and the entire Commonwealth.

If you believe in the mission of truly ending homelessness for our neighbors who are so frequently ignored - take action. Join Mayor Menino and the volunteer team as they stand up and do something. Please consider participating, and seek more information on the Emergency Shelter Commission's web page.