I work as a sysadmin at one of the orgs that does the outreach (Common Ground). So we follow the supportive housing model as opposed to housing people in shelte

I work as a sysadmin at one of the orgs that does the outreach (Common Ground). So we follow the supportive housing model as opposed to housing people in shelters since the shelter system often prolongs the homelessness. Common Ground's goal is to end homelessness by permanently housing the homeless in a clean, healthy and supportive environment. So in addition to housing, Common Ground partners with others to provide health, job, psychological and rehab services. The supportive housing model has been very successful. One of our strategies is outreach, the kind described in this article. The reason we do aggressive outreach is because many of the homeless have been burnt by their past shelter experience so they are resistant to any offers of housing. Obviously, we cant force them to accept housing. But we go to the homeless, day in and day out, and offer them help and its done in the most benign way. We do target other areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are teams dedicated to each neighborhood and one by one, we hope to house the homeless. If you are curious, you can learn more at http://www.commonground.org http://www.commonground.org