On Oct. 13, 1999, a city-wide homeless count and survey was conducted. On that one evening, 225 homeless individuals were physically contacted and asked to participate in the survey. On Oct. 11, 2001, a second homeless count was conducted and 243 homeless individuals were physically contacted. Once again, on Oct.14, 2003, 300 homeless individuals were contacted. In addition, several known homeless individuals were not counted each time, because they were not physically contacted those evenings.

Abilene's total population including Dyess Air Force Base is approximately 125,000 people. Using a formula provided by Housing and Urban Development officials and based on this overall population, Abilene has an estimated homeless population of between 625 - 1,875 on any given night. HUD uses 1/2 of a percent to 1 1/2 of a percent of the overall population to determine this statistic. Abilene service providers, along with city officials, have determined the local homeless population at any one time is an estimated 1,000 people. This number is consistent with the number of people served and turned away by Hope Haven each year. Hope Haven averages more than 750 requests for services each year.