Sam C. lives in Middletown, staying at a warming shelter at night, and walking around during the day.He has family in the area, but says he doesn't want to bother them by asking for help.

"You got the TV, you got the cops, I'm like, 'Guess I'm in trouble.' But I said to myself, 'Hmm. I didn't do nothing wrong, I'm just standing here, enjoying the weather,' " he said.

"It's up to me to get my own life in order. They've got theirs in order. I got to get mine."

This happened during HONOR's yearly Point in Time count, when they talk with homeless men and women, giving them warm winter accessories and food. Organizers also ask them to take a survey required by HUD to detirmine funding.

HONOR works with local police, the county Veterans Service Agency and Continuum of Care to conduct the count. During this year's count, Outreach Director Gary Texter recognized Sam and asked if he wanted to come into HONOR. Sam accepted.

But some people say 'no' to HONOR's offer for a meal, a warm place to stay, and clothing.

"I think fear is one of the items right there," Texter said. "And over time, we find that, as we build trust with the folks, they then tend to eventually accept, or at least many of them do."

Sam says this is the third time he's walked into HONOR.

"I haven't gotten it right yet, but hopefully this time I can get it right," he said. "I will get it right this time, because being 65, it puts a certain limitation on your life. You gotta say, 'You gonna keep doing this? Because you're going to be 70 in a few years.' "

The number of times HONOR has asked Sam to come in is much higher, but they don't want to pass up asking people if they want help, even if it's a likely 'no.' HONOR says they want those who are homeless to understand it's never too late to ask for their help, just like Sam at age 65.

"Don't give up hope, and call us, OK? Because we won't give up hope on you," Texter said.