Volunteers and police officers braved single-digit temperatures this week, spreading out across Orange County as part of a nationwide effort to count and assist people experiencing homelessness.

The Point-in-Time Count is a one-night Census-required effort by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to capture a snapshot of homelessness during one of the coldest nights of the year. Officials say the data collected will take time to compile, but the outreach itself is already having an impact.

On Friday, News 12 rode along with Port Jervis police officers as they checked wooded areas and encampments where people experiencing homelessness are known to stay. Police say those locations were checked both as part of the Point-in-Time Count and as part of regular welfare checks conducted year-round to ensure people living outdoors are safe — especially during extreme weather.

Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden said officers routinely conduct outreach focused on well-being and connection to services, not enforcement.

“With this cold weather, we are especially concerned with our homeless population here in the city,” Worden said. “Our officers are constantly cognizant of that.”

Port Jervis police were among the agencies that joined volunteers across Orange County Thursday night for the Point-in-Time Count, working alongside HONOR — a nonprofit that runs emergency shelters and street outreach programs throughout the county.

Worden said officers often encounter people living in hard-to-reach locations and stressed the importance of regular, face-to-face contact.

“Some of the areas where there are encampments are very hard to get to,” he said. “This time of year, access can be difficult, but it’s important to check on people regularly, see how they’re doing, and offer resources.”

Last year’s data showed nearly 1,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Orange County on any given night — nearly double the number from just two years earlier. Advocates say many of those affected are families with children.

Following this week’s outreach, officials say 12 people who had been living on the street agreed to get out of the cold and stay in temporary shelter.

Worden credited the continued work of law enforcement and local organizations for helping reduce the number of people living outdoors.

“We do feel like we have fewer people on the streets today because of the constant work of the warming center and HONOR — not just during the winter, but year-round,” he said.

Officials say the Point-in-Time Count is about more than statistics, emphasizing that consistent outreach throughout the year plays a critical role in keeping vulnerable residents safe. Results from this year’s count are expected to be released later this year and will be used to guide funding and services.

Resources for help:

HONOR (Helping Others in Need through Outreach and Resources) 24/7 hotline: 845-343-7115 or honorhelp.org

Port Jervis adult homeless warming station phone number: 845-649-8720. It operates during the winter season from Nov. 15 through March 31, providing overnight shelter, hot meals, showers and laundry services. It is located at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Port Jervis and serves adults experiencing homelessness in the area.

Orange County residents seeking help with temporary or permanent housing can also call 311 for assistance and referrals to local services.