Annual Homeless Census
On January 27, 2021, we conducted the 41st annual homeless census to help us better quantify homelessness in Boston.
In the annual Homeless Census, volunteers go out through all neighborhoods of Boston. They survey and offer shelter and services to people staying on the street.
Neighborhood Development
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in supporting the City of Boston Annual Homeless Census. Registration is currently closed. We invite you to explore other ways to help end homelessness in Boston in the section below.
Other ways you can help
- Join the annual Winter Walk Boston. The Walk supports street outreach, advocacy, job training, and local home placement service providers.
- New Life Furniture Bank is an essential partner in the City's initiative to end chronic and veteran homelessness. They need a variety of different types of volunteers.
- New England Center and Homes for Veterans is ending homelessness through housing and employment.
- Friends of Boston's Homeless is dedicated to helping people move beyond homelessness into stability. View more information about volunteer opportunities.
- Whether they work in the kitchen, distribute clothing, or assist with mock interviews, volunteers help ensure the quality of St. Francis' services for Boston’s poor and homeless.
- More than 5,000 volunteers every year help Pine Street Inn provide shelter, housing and other crucial services to homeless men and women. Donations of time and talent help us continue the mission of ending homelessness.
Donate
DonatePast reports
Past reportsSheltered Census Trainings
Trainings and submission instructions for prior sheltered censuses are available below. If you have a question about the 2021 sheltered census, please contact our HMIS Help Desk.
Trainings were conducted the week of January 21, 2019, on the collection of and submission of data regarding clients utilizing shelter services on the night of January 30, 2019. The trainings were held for:
- providers of emergency shelter
- transitional housing, and
- safe havens.
2019 HUD Housing Inventory Chart and Point in Time Count Official Guidance
2017 BostonHMIS Data Element Definitions - effective 10/1/2017
2019 Census Training for HMIS Users - Thursday, January 24, 2019
Submit your HMIS Sheltered Report
2019 Census Training for Non-HMIS Providers - Friday, January 25, 2019
Complete and submit your non-HMIS census survey confirmation form
Complete and submit your non-HMIS census client questionnaire