Out on the street

A survey of homeless people in New York City in late January found nearly 800 more than last year, the Associated Press reported.

Numerous volunteers canvassing the city counted 3,111 people living on the streets. Adding the 39,526 people staying in city shelters, the city found the total number of homeless reached 42,367 people this year, up from 38,401 people last January.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tried to reduce the number of homeless, and city services have tried to shelter those who lack a roof over their heads. But the economy and other factors have made it tough. Their numbers are rising — one in every 197 people in the city of 8.4 million people are homeless.

New York's Homeless Services Department plans to interview homeless people to better understand their situations, how they ended up on the street and what type of shelter they would accept — a good idea.

Those of us who have never wanted for anything need to better understand those who have landed in desperate circumstances. By understanding, we can lend a hand to those in need. New York City is to be commended for grappling with this problem. Every community should have policies in place to help those who have no place to stay.