Driving through Middletown, those with the Point In Time count look for people who could use warm clothes, food, or a place to stay. 

Throughout his lifetime, Manuel M. has been employed but has fallen on harder times and is homeless.  

"No one asks to be homeless, no one gets up in the morning and says 'I want to be homeless,' it's a process, it happens," said Church of St. Joseph Deacon Richard Trapani.   

After a blessing from Trapani, members of the organization HONOR, along with police and volunteers, hit the streets to try to connect with the homeless community. Sam C. says accepting their offer is well advised. 

"Life is better. Cause out there, I've said that a number of times, out there is not an option," said HONOR client Sam C.  

One year ago, he was staying at a warming shelter at night. He came to HONOR during last year's count, and now has an apartment thanks to a relative. 

"This is my place. I'm trying to like move a little bit of stuff at a time," Sam C. said.  

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in New York State on any given night there are more than 89,500 people who are homeless — winter is a high-demand time for help. 

"We've had excessive calls, excessive placements, but it's good because we know many of these people aren't left in the cold," said HONOR Shelter Services Director Naomi Mann.