Homelessness Data in HHS Mainstream Programs
Project Page
Principal Investigator:
Michelle Wood
Abt Associates
This project is available on the Internet at:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/09/HomelessnessDataHHS/
How to Obtain a Printed Copy
Begun in 2006, this study explores the extent to which states collect data
on housing status and homelessness from applicants for the two largest HHS
mainstream programs that may serve individuals or families experiencing
homelessness: Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF). Interviews were conducted with TANF and Medicaid directors
in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to learn about state practices
related to the collection of housing status and homelessness data from program
applicants. The study also includes a review of data-collection practices
in nine other HHS mainstream programs.
The Assistant Secretary for Planning and
Evaluation (ASPE) and the Health Resources
and Services Administration (HRSA) jointly funded this project.
The performer was Abt Associates.
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All states collect general information on housing status on their
TANF and/or Medicaid applications; more than half of states collect
indicators of homelessness on their application; 13 sates collect
information on risk factors often associated with homelessness; and 10 states
do not collect homelessness data or risk factors information.
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Only five states reported having conducted any analysis of the available
data and the analysis has been fairly limited; most states indicated a
willingness to grant access to the homelessness data collected on TANF and
Medicaid applications, even if no previous analysis has been conducted of
the data.
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Of the nine other HHS mainstream programs reviewed for this study, only one
currently provides individual-level data on homelessness; four of
the programs provide aggregate data on the number of homeless
beneficiaries served; the four remaining programs do not collect
information on the number of beneficiaries who are homeless.
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Homelessness Data in Health
and Human Services Mainstream Programs, Final Report, Winter
2009.
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Housing
Status Assessment Guide for State TANF and Medicaid Programs, Winter
2009.
This Guide is intended to provide recommendations on a set of standardized
housing status and homelessness risk questions that could be incorporated
into state applications for TANF and/or Medicaid. The taxonomy of questions
presented in this Guide is provided solely as a resource for states interested
in modifying current application questions and to promote coordination between
mainstream social service programs and housing and homelessness assistance
providers. It is important to note that modifying current application
and data collection procedures is not intended to be a requirement for states
interested in using this Guide.
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Potential
Analyses with Homelessness Data: Ideas for Policymakers and
Researchers, Winter 2009.
This document summarizes ideas for data analysis that would help answer questions
of interest to policymakers and researchers. Among other things, this
study found that thirty states currently collect information on homelessness
or risk factors for homelessness from applicants for TANF or Medicaid.
Abt Associates developed some ideas for potential uses of this information
for policymakers (especially at the state level) and researchers.
To obtain a printed copy of a report, send the title and your mailing information
to:
Human Services Policy, Room 404E
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Fax: (202) 690-6562
Email: pic@hhs.gov
Where to?
Top of Page | Contents
Home Pages:
Human Services Policy
(HSP)
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
(ASPE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS)
Last updated: 04/09/2009
