2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Objective Count of homeless and precariously housed families and individuals Understand the scope of the problem locally and statewide Federal requirement for programs serving the homeless 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Definitions Sheltered Homeless Persons People who reside in an emergency shelter or in transitional/supportive housing for homeless persons Unsheltered Homeless Persons People who reside in a place not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, encampments Precariously Housed Persons People who are temporarily staying with family or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship People who are living in motel situations due to loss of housing or economic hardship 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Count Methodology Housing screening surveys administered at service locations and other places where homeless people congregate or live Point In Time: January 25, 2009 Surveys collected January 26 – January 31 Surveys returned to KSU for data input 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Housing Stability Survey Designed to be administered by staff or by volunteers No more than 10 minutes 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Who Is Surveyed? Screening Question: Have you had any difficulty with housing in the past month? 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

How to collect surveys Interviews with people with housing difficulties (administered by staff or volunteers) On the telephone with people seeking assistance 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Surveying In the Community Counting people living in dilapidated housing, abandoned trailers, farm buildings, or encampments Other places – street, parks Follow safety guidelines 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Survey Protocol Survey adults Interviews vs. self-administered Confidentiality Private location Do not share information 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Interview Techniques Voice and body language neutral Affirm responses Personalize questions Thank participants for their time 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Beginning the Interview Introduce yourself Ask screening question Explain purpose Answer their questions/concerns Ask if they have already completed the survey Refusals Respond to concerns Respect their right to refuse 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Incentives Your county coordinator will let you know if there are small gift bags or fast food coupons for survey participants Way of thanking survey participants for their help 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Survey Form Instructions [ Page 6 of Instruction Guide] Questions 1 and 2 to be used only to check for duplicate surveys continue interview even if you do not get information Demographic information don’t have to ask; may observe Question 3 Where did you stay Sunday night? Question 4 Family members 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Survey Instructions (cont.) Question 5 : In what city/county did you spend the night of January 25 th ? You may need to help them determine Question 6 only ask if they stayed in a house or apartment (their own or with friends/family) 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Question 6 c Is the house or apartment in livable condition (running water, complete plumbing, and structurally sound)? You may need to help them make determination. Must be unfit for a person to live in Georgia Homeless Count

Survey Instructions (cont.) Question 7 a & b only ask if they stayed in a hotel/motel on the 27 th Don’t forget the back of the form! 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Some of the questions on the back of the form are sensitive. Respondents can skip questions that they would rather not answer. Question 8 – Are you currently homeless? Record their answer (even if you don’t agree – record their perception of their situation) Survey Instructions (cont.)

Question 9 How long have you been homeless?  refers to current episode How often in the past three years? Includes this episode  may need to help them think about 2006, 2007, and 2008

Survey Instructions (cont.) Question 10 – In what county/city did you first become homeless? Refers to current episode of homelessness. Question 11 – Veteran status 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Survey Instructions (cont.) 2009 Georgia Homeless Count Question 12 – Disabling conditions Read choices and check all that apply Questions 13 and 14 – Use of hospital emergency room Question 15 – Family Violence

Question 16 – Work for pay “other” is occasional work like baby sitting or collecting recyclables Question 17 – Benefits Read choices and check all that apply TANF (pronounced “tan-if”) Survey Instructions (cont.) 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Completing the Interview Check for completeness Thank them for their help 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Completed Surveys Return completed surveys NOTE to County Coordinators – put information here about what to do with the completed surveys 2009 Georgia Homeless Count

Thank you for your help! Insert your contact information here 2009 Georgia Homeless Count