HUD’s Point-in-Time Count May Underestimate Homelessness by Overlooking “Doubled Up” Situations

A significant portion of the population experiencing housing insecurity may be overlooked by traditional methods of counting homelessness, according to recent research. HUD’s Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a widely used methodology for assessing homelessness on a single night, may be failing to capture individuals and families who are “doubled up” – living in temporary arrangements with friends or relatives. This practice, often a precursor to street homelessness, represents a substantial but largely unquantified segment of housing instability.

Understanding the Scale of Doubling Up

The concept of “doubling up” refers to situations where more than one family or individual household resides in a single housing unit, typically without their own separate sleeping area. This can include staying with friends, family, or in other informal arrangements due to economic hardship, eviction, or lack of affordable housing. While not always visible to the public or easily counted through traditional surveys, these situations can indicate severe housing insecurity and a high risk of future homelessness.

Estimates suggest that millions of people may be living in doubled-up situations. Researchers argue that accurately monitoring this trend could provide cities with crucial early warnings, enabling them to intervene and prevent individuals from transitioning to more visible forms of homelessness, such as sleeping on the streets or in shelters. The current PIT count methodology primarily focuses on individuals who are sheltered or unsheltered on a specific night, potentially missing those who are temporarily housed.

Challenges in Data Collection

Collecting data on doubled-up populations presents unique challenges. Unlike individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, those doubled up are often within private residences, making them less accessible to outreach workers and survey teams. Furthermore, individuals in these situations may not self-identify as homeless, fearing stigma or potential repercussions. The transience of these arrangements also complicates tracking.

The implications of this data gap are significant for urban planning and policy. If cities are underestimating the full spectrum of housing insecurity, their resource allocation and intervention strategies may be misaligned. A more comprehensive approach to data collection is needed to understand the true demand for housing assistance and support services.

Implications for Urban Policy and Planning

The findings underscore the need for urban planners and policymakers to consider a broader definition of homelessness and housing insecurity. Integrating data on doubled-up households into homelessness assessments could lead to more proactive and effective prevention strategies. This might involve:

• Developing new methodologies for surveying or estimating the prevalence of doubled-up situations.
• Strengthening partnerships with community organizations that may have insights into these informal housing arrangements.
• Implementing early warning systems based on indicators of housing instability, such as increased requests for temporary assistance or frequent moves.
• Focusing on the root causes of housing insecurity, including the lack of affordable housing and economic opportunities, to reduce the reliance on doubled-up arrangements.

By acknowledging and quantifying the “doubled up” population, cities can gain a more accurate picture of their housing challenges and better target resources to support vulnerable residents before they reach crisis points. This shift in perspective is vital for developing more inclusive and effective urban policies.

Key facts

Source: Smart Cities Dive (https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/hud-point-in-time-count-homelessness-doubling-up/822007/)