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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The 2019 Merced County Homeless Count and Survey was a success due to the efforts of the following volunteers: Aimy Saenz Alma Chaves America Alcala Sanchez Anthony Choza Armando Saenz Athena Waddle Atlana Castillo Author Thompson Barry Anderson Benny Escobedo Blanca Arrate Blarde Jorge Bonnie Ketcher Bruce Metcalf Cecilio Solano Cecillia Garcia?Cardenas Cesar Maya Chris Talens Corina Foster Cornelia Levy Courtney Livingston Miguel Oseguerra Dafne Garcia Damaris Alvarez Dan Reese Danielle Bohn Daronia Johnson?Santos Dave Chandler David Carr Dena Medeiros Donna Barnes Edward Cheatham Erica Calbera Faviola Martinez Gabriel Orozco Gary Brizzee Gaudalupe Vega Genevieve Waddle Gina Mercer Gina Thomas Gina Trujillo Giovanni Arceo Gloria Mendoza Guadalupe Rios Guillermo De La Rosa Gurjit Kaur Helene Mitchell Helidee Millian?Govea [an Hinojosa ImrinderToor Israel Alonso lvan Mendez Jennifer Loc Jennifer McCannon Jennifer Mockus Joe Padilla John Ceccoli Joselyn Sedano Juan Diaz Juana Garcia Julie Kellum Julie Nelson Kajol Sharma Ken Percival Kendra Smith Kimberly Classen Kimberly Valle Kyla Gilmore Lara Olsom Lee Greenwalt Leigh Ann Bridgman Leslie Sena Linda Dash Lloyd Pareira Lucas Brown Margaritta Chapa Maria Alvarado Maria Azavedo Maria Santos Mark Hamilton Martin Paulrena Martin Tapia Martin Tapia Mary Camper Matthew Perez Melinda Xiong Michael Castelavv Michael Salazar Micki Archuleta Monica Gilmore Monica Villa Monika Grasley Morgan Penner Nancy Rodriquez Nancy Rodriquez Naomi Elliot Nicole Ridge Niza Hernandez Norma Cardona Oscar Trejo Phil Schmauss Pia Moua Rachel Huerta Rebecca Wood Renee Mounce Rosa Vasquez Rosalinda Mansfield Rose McDonald Ruben Rodriquez Sabrina Plaza Sandra Gomez Sandra Salas Sara Maldono Sargeez Teimoorshahi Scott Dustin Sean Bayard Shay Gassaway Sheryl Fink Silverio Garcia Skip Hinman Sonya Severo Steve Hammond Suzy Day Tanya Ceja Tiernan Cummins Tina Camponella Tina Lahman Tommy Renteria Tony Alvarez Tracy Jackson Tyler Kerber Valerie Kelly Veronica Swartz Yesenia Hernandez and the following Organizations: ACE Overcomers Central California Alliance for Health City of Los Banos City of Merced City of Merced Public Works FSB- HSP Golden Valley Health Centers Gonella Realty LifeLine CDC Livingston Community Health London Properties Los Banos Police Department Merced Community Action Agency Merced Association of Realtors Merced College Merced County Behavioral Health Recovery Merced County Human Services Agency Merced County Rescue Mission Merced County Sheriffs Department Merced Housing Authority Merced LGBTO. Alliance Merced Police Department Merced Rescue Mission Merced Union High School District New Directions Riggs Ambulance Service Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project SVDP Turning Point C.A.R.E UC Merced United Way, Merced Valley Crisis Center West Care Appreciation is also extended to the following for providing incentive care packages for survey participants experiencing homelessness: Sam Geil Central Valley Opportunity Fund For more information about this report please contact Joe Colletti, at The report was prepared by the Institute for Urban initiatives Joe Colletti, Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Urban Initiatives Sofia Herrera, Executive Director, Office for Urban Initiatives NOTE: Please contact Phil Schmauss concerning any volunteer or agency that was mistakenly omitted at A copy ofthis report is available at Table of Contents I. Executive Summary II. Unsheltered Persons Sheltered Persons IV. Background Information Concerning the Homeless Count V. Homeless Count Methodology VI. Background Information Concerning the Homeless Survey VII. Next Steps: Recommendations Instructions for Merced County 2019 Homeless Unsheltered Count Instrument Homeless Count Instrument Homeless Count Survey Page I. Executive Summary A. Total Number of Homeless Persons I. Executive Summary There were 607 persons who were homeless on Thursday, January 24, 2019. The previous homeless count and subpopulation survey was completed in 2018 during which 514 persons were counted. A comparison of the last two counts reveals that 98 more persons were counted in 2019, which represents an increase of 18.1%. Table 1. Comparison of 2018 and 2019 Homeless Counts Sheltered Unsheltered Total 2018 Homeless Count 202 312 514 2019 Homeless Count 322 285 607 Difference: +120 -27 +93 Of the 607 persons counted, 278 adults and seven (7) children were unsheltered and 221 adults and 101 children were sheltered. it is important to note that the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) limits the count to persons who are defined as - Homeless persons living in a place not designed or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for humans (these persons must be counted as unsheltered); and 0 Persons living in emergency shelters and transitional housing projects (these persons must be counted as sheltered). B. Total Number of Unsheltered and Sheltered Persons by Location The last row in Table 2 provides a breakdown of the 607 persons by unsheltered and sheltered persons and compares the breakdown to the 2018 breakdown. There was an increase in both unsheltered and sheltered persons. Unsheltered persons increased from 298 to 312 persons, which represents nearlya 5 increase and sheltered persons increased from 156 to 202 persons, which represents an increase of 29.5%. Table 2 also provides a breakdown of the 607 unsheltered and sheltered persons within the incorporated and unincorporated areas in which they were counted. A comparison to the breakdown of the 2018 numbers is also noted. Table 2. Breakdown of Unsheltered and Sheltered Persons by Area Incorporated and Total Total Unincorporated Number of Number of Total Areas Unsheltered Persons Sheltered Persons . Number 2018 2019 Difference 2018 2019 Difference 2018 2019 Difference it if it a Atwater 28 16 ~12 -43 79* 94* +15 +19 108 146 +38 +35 Cressey 0.0 Delhi 1 4 +3 +300 +300 Dos Palos Nido 0.0 Gustine 0.0 Hilmar Grande 0.0 Livingston +50 Los Banos 57 49 -8 -14 0 13Merced 187 204 +17 +9 123* 215Planada 0.0 Santa Nella 3 0 -3 -300 ~300 Sneiling 0.0 South Dos Palos 0.0 Winton -20 -95 Total*includes households who received motel vouchers. ?only includes households who received motel vouchers. II. Unsheltered Persons HUD requires the total number of unsheltered persons to be broken down by the following homeless subpopulation categories for the unsheltered adult population except for chronically homeless families and families: 0 Chronically Homeless Families; 0 Chronically Homeless Individuals; 0 Ethnicity; - Families; 0 Men; 0 Persons with - Persons with Mental illness; 0 Race; 0 Single Individuals; 0 Substance Users; - Unaccompanied Youth Under Age 18; 0 Veterans; 0 Victims of Domestic Violence; . Women; and 0 Youth Ages 18 24. 0f the 285 persons counted as unsheltered; 278 adults and seven (7) children were unsheltered The following table provides a breakdown ofthe total unsheltered adult population by gender. Table 3. Unsheltered Adults by Gender Gender (Adults Only): - Male 180 64.7 Female 74 26.6 Transgender 0.0 Non?Conforming (Le. not exclusively male or female) 0 0.0 No Answer Recorded 24 8.6 Total: 278 - 1'00 The next table provides a breakdown of the total unsheltered adult population by ethnicity. Concerning ethnicity, HUD only requires that Hispanics or Latinos be noted. However, the Merced included Southeast Asian ((Hmong, Cambodian, Taiwanese, Laotian, Vietnamese, etc). Table 4. Unsheltered Adults by Ethnicity Subpopulation {Adults Only): Hispanic or Latino 111 39.9 Southeast Asian 1 0.4 All Others 166 59.7 Total: 278 100 The following table provides a breakdown of the total unsheltered adult population by race. Table 5. Unsheltered Adults by Race Subpopulation (Adults Only): if African American or Black 19 6.8 American Indian or Alaska Native 9 3.2 Asian 0 0.0 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2 0.7 White 116 41.7 Multiple Races or Other 26 9.4 Did not Know or No Response was Recorded 106 38.1 Total: 278 100 I The next table breaks down the total number of unsheltered adults by subpopulations based on the information gathered by the homeless count instrument, which included questions that were asked of each unsheltered adult counted. Table 6. Unsheltered Adults by Selected Subpopulations Subpopulation (Adults Only): Total Unsheltered Adults: 278 100 Families 4* Unaccompanied Youth Under Age 18 3 1.1 Veterans 10 3.3 Youth Age 18 to 24 13 4.7 Seniors age 62+ 13 4.7 Became Homeless forthe First Time During Past 12 Months 68 24.5 *four families consisted of six adults and six children. Figure 1 contains information about persons who became homeless for the first time during the 12 months prior to the homeless count. in 2018, 64 persons answered "yes? when asked if they became homeless for the first time during the 12 months prior to the homeless count, which represented 20.9% or one of five adults. However, in 2019, one of four or 68 adults became homeless for the first time during the 12 months prior to the homeless count. Figure 1. 69 25.0% 58 24.0% 67 23.0% 66 22.0% 65 64 21.0%: 53 20.0% 62 19.0% mber 64 68 20.9% 24.5% Number Percent Table 7 breaks down the total number of unsheltered adults by subpopulations based on a homeless survey that was conducted after the count and administered to a sample of 80 unsheltered adults, which represents nearly a 30% sample of the 278 unsheltered adults who were counted. 1O Following HUD guidelines, the information gathered through the sample was used to estimate numbers of adults that fall within each subpopulation category as noted in the table below. For example, 23.8% of the unsheltered adults surveyed stated that they have a serious mental health problem. Thus, 23.8% or 66 of the 278 unsheltered adults counted were estimated to have a serious mental health problem. Table 7: Estimates of Unsheltered Subpopulations Based on 2019 Homeless Count 81 2019 Homeless Survey Subpopulation (Adults Only): Total Unsheltered Adults: 278 100 Chronically Homeless Families 0 0.0 Chronically Homeless Persons 129 46.3 Persons with Developmental Disabilities 76 27.5 Persons with 7 2.5 Persons with Serious Mental Health Problems 66 23.8 Persons with Physical Disabilities 136 48.8 Substance Users (ongoing problem) 73 26.3 Victims of Domestic Violence 76 27.5 Currently experiencing homelessness because you are fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 11 3.8 The followingfindings were based on survey questions that were shaped and desired locally and not necessitated by HUD in order to determine data for required subpopulations. Income 0 70% of unsheltered surveyed adults had a income of $250 or less. Chronic Health Conditions 0 47.5% of unsheltered adults who completed a survey stated they have a chronic health condition such as Diabetes, Heart Trouble, High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Hepatitis, Respiratory Problems, Epilepsy, Tuberculosis, or Arthritis; 0 26.3% of unsheltered adults stated the condition has continued for a long time or indefinitely impede his or her ability to live independently; a 20% of unsheltered surveyed adults who completed a survey stated they have been admitted to the emergency room or hospital once during the past 12 months; ?l?l 35% of unsheltered adults who completed a survey stated they have been admitted to the emergency room or hospital more than once during the past 12 months. Released from Prison 15% of unsheltered adults who completed a survey stated they were released from prison or jail during the past 12 months; 0 83% were released after serving 90 days or less 0 42% were released on parole; 58% were released on probation; 10% are unknown. Times Arrested 16% of unsheltered adults who completed a survey stated they were arrested at least once. 12 Sheltered Persons As required by HUD, the sheltered count included the number of persons and households sleeping in emergency shelters (including seasonal shelters), transitional housing, and Safe Haven programs (of which the County has none) that were listed on the Housing Inventory Chart (HIC). In addition, any persons staying in hotels or motels as a result of receiving a voucher from a social service agency were included in the sheltered count per instructions if the voucher program was listed on the HUD encourages the use of Homeless Management lnformation Services (HMIS) data to generate sheltered counts and subp0pulation data for programs with 100% of beds participating in Thus, was used to gather the total number of occupied beds and the number of persons that provided a total number of sheltered persons and a breakdown by subpopulation for nearly all sheltered programs. Table 9. Total Shelter Count by Program Total.# of Facility Program: Persons Shelters: Community Action Agency Street Shelter 39 Merced County Human Services Agency Motel Vouchers 162 Merced County Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter 0 Merced County Rescue Mission Hope Respite Care 10 Merced County Rescue Mission Room at the inn Shelter 5 Merced County Rescue Mission Winter Warming Center 4 Valley Crisis Center Domestic Violence Shelter 8 Sub-Total: 228 Transitional Housing: Community Social Model Advocates Hobie House 17 Community Social Model Advocates Tranquility Village 19 Merced County Mental Health Parsons House 0 Merced County Rescue Mission Hope for Men (Bridge to Hope) 8 Merced County Rescue Mission Hope for Women (Haven of Hope) 8 Merced County Rescue Mission Transition to Hope 39 Valley Crisis Center Domestic Violence Transitional Hg 3 Sub-Total: 94 Total: 322 The table above reveals that nearly three-fourths?228 persons or 70.8% of the sheltered population were in shelters and more than one-fourth?94 persons, or 29.1% were in transitional housing programs. 14 IV. Background Information Concerning the Homeless Count The Department of Housing and Urban Development, as part of its requirements for local jurisdictions to continue to receive continuum of care funding for homeless persons, asks local jurisdictional applicants to conduct a ?one night point?in-time? homeless count every other year during the last 10 days of January. 0 When Was the Count Conducted? The homeless count was conducted, in accordance to HUD instructions, on the streets of Merced County during the hours of 6:30 am-8:30 am on Thursday, January 24, 2019. The count was also conducted overnight on January 23 in shelters and transitional housing programs. 0 Who was Counted? A person was considered homeless, and thus counted, only when he/she fell within the following HUD-based definition by residing in one of the places described below: a. in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings; in an emergency shelter; c. in transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelter. HUD does not consider the following persons to be homeless?persons who are ?doubled up,? or persons who are ?near homelessness"?but considers them to be at?risk of homelessness. Following guidelines, such persons were 393 included in the county?s homeless count. The County of Merced, like many other counties, has a substantial number of households that are at?risk of becoming homeless. Twenty?three of Merced County residents were living below the poverty level according to the 2017 American Community Survey (AC5). This means that approximately 62,000 of the 272,673 County residents representing around 21,000 households are at risk of becoming homeless on a day like today. Households living below the poverty level are at risk of becoming homeless. Because of their limited income, they frequently have to choose between paying their rent or mortgage and other daily living costs such as child care, clothing, food, health care, and transportation. The generally accepted standard for housing affordability is that households should not spend more than 30% of their incomes on rent and utilities. 15 Many households can become homeless because of social structural issues such as increases in rent, loss ofjob, and rising health care costs. In addition, personal experiences such as domestic violence, physical disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse can cause members of a low? income household or an entire household to become homeless as well. Often, one or more of these experiences factor into a household?s homelessness experience. 0 Who Conducted the Count? One hundred and thirty-one (131) counters carried out the street count on January 24 between the hours of 6:30 am 8:30 am. They consisted of a wide-range of local representatives from various public and private organizations that included: - Businesses; - Faith-based organizations; - Homeless and Formerly Homeless individuals; 0 Local government; - Non-profit agencies. in addition, staff from shelters and transitional housing programs counted residents in their respective programs. 0 How Was the Count Conducted? The 2019 homeless count was a community~wide effort. Prior to the count, volunteers attended planning meetings and an orientation. During the planning meetings, key locations and mapping of sites were discussed in order to ensure that areas where persons congregate were identified and that efforts were made to minimize duplication. 16 V. Homeless Count Methodology Counters were divided into teams and assigned areas to count. Teams assigned to areas where homeless persons were pre-identified included a homeless person or a formerly homeless person to help ensure that homeless persons would feel comfortable with counters. The homeless count consisted of a personal contact method and an observation-only method. if the counters could not implement the personal contact method, then an observation?only method was used. The personal contact method required counters to ask each homeless person a series of questions beginning with whether they were certain that the person they were about to count met criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicle, park bench, etc.) if not certain, counters were required to ask the following question: 0 Did you sleep on the streets, in an abandoned building, tent, canopy, or vehicle last night? if the answer was they were instructed not to include the person. lfthe answer was ?yes,? they were instructed to ask the rest of the question listed on the homeless count instrument (see Appendix A). An observation?only method was used for the following reasons: a if a homeless person did not wish to speak to a counter, then the counter was to thank the person and complete questions 3 through 7 based on observations ONLY if the counter was certain that the person meets criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicle, park bench, etc),- If the counter believed that a person was homeless and did not want to disturb the person because the person was sleeping, questions 3 through 7 were to be answered based on observations - If the counter believed that, a person was homeless and the counter felt it was unsafe to engage the person, questions 3 through 7 were to be answered based upon observations ONLY. ?17 VI. Background Information Concerning the Homeless Survey The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part ofthe annual Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program application requires information about the following homeless subpopuiations: - Chronically Homeless Individuals; - Chronically Homeless Families; I Persons with - Persons with Mental Illness; - Substance Abusers; - Unaccompanied Youth Under Age 18; 0 Veterans; - Victims of Domestic Violence; 0 Youth Ages 18 24. Thus; a survey was compiled that asked questions in order to ensure that accurate data would be collected for each subpopulation. In addition to the subpopulations noted above; additional questions were asked to collect data for the following subpopulations: 0 Men; 0 Persons with Chronic Illness; I Persons with Developmental Disabilities; 0 Persons with Physical Disabilities; 0 Persons Released from Correctional Institutions; 0 Seniors; 0 Women. 0 When Was the Survey Conducted? The survey was administered at various locations during the two weeks following the count. Most surveys were administered during the first week following the count. 18 . Who Was Surveyed? The homeless survey was administered to 80 homeless adults. The percent of adults surveyed in relationship to the homeless count is more than one of every four adults Of the 80 homeless adults surveyed - 60 or 75% were men and 20 or 25% were women. 0 Who Conducted the Survey? Sixteen (16) volunteers carried out the survey. They consisted of a wide?range of local representatives from various public and private organizations that included: . Businesses; - Faith-based organizations; - Homeless and Formerly Homeless individuals; 0 Local government; 0 Non-profit agencies. In addition, staff from shelters and transitional housing programs administered the survey to residents in their respective programs. 0 How Was the Survey Conducted? The process involved administering a one-on?one interview survey with a representative sample of homeless adults living in the County of Merced. There were two (2) primary methods of contact with homeless persons who participated in the survey. They were: 1) interviews with homeless persons who were contacted on the streets and 2) interviews with homeless persons who were contacted while using non?residential homeless services. 0 Where Was the Survey Conducted? The survey was conducted on the streets and at various residential and non-residential social service sites that participated in the homeless count. 19 VII. Next Steps: Implementing Recommendations to Prevent and End Homelessness Next steps should include the following: - focusing on ending homelessness for specific subpopulations; Encouraging the County and each city to work in partnership with the Merced Continuum of Care to prevent and end homelessness within itsjurisdiction; and implementing evidence-based, best, and promising practices that have been proven to be effective in preventing and ending homelessness. Trying to end homelessness for nearly 300 unsheltered persons collectively can be overwhelming and discouraging. Focusing on Specific subpopulations can elicit confidence because the number of a given subpopulation is much less and is more manageable. Furthermore, we can build upon the recent success towards ending homelessness among veterans. Thus, next steps include the following six recommendations: Recommendation 1: Finish the job of ending homelessness among unsheltered veterans As noted below, the number of homeless veterans during a point-in?time count has decreased significantly over the past few years?from 88 to l7?according to past homeless counts. of Unshelte?red Year Veterans 2015 88 2016 25 2017 17 2018 13 2019 17 Of the 17 unsheltered veterans, - 11 were counted in the City of Merced; and 6 in the city of Los Banos. 20 In order to ?nish the job, the following public and private organizations should continue to implement the best practices of 0 Permanent supportive housing and a Housing First approach through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, which combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community?based outreach clinics. . Rapid rehousing and a Housing First approach through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, which provides supportive services to very low- income Veteran families that are currently in or transitioning to permanent housing. SSVF is designed to rapidly re-house homeless Veteran families and prevent homelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing crisis. Public and private organizations include: 0 City of Merced; 0 County of Merced,? 0 Housing Authority of the County of Merced; - Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project; . U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Central California Health Care System Merced; - Westcare, San Joaquin Valley Veterans - Merced Veterans not eligible for the Voucher Program and the SSVF Program should be referred to the Coordinated Entry System to be matched with the appropriate housing and supportive services. Recommendation 2: End homelessness among unsheltered youth The number of homeless youth age 18 24 has decreased during the past few years according to past homeless count data as noted in the table below. However, it is worth noting that three of the 16 unsheltered youth this year were unaccompanied youth under age 18, whereas the number of unaccompanied youth under age 18 counted in 2017 and 2018 was zero. Thirteen (13) of the 16 unsheltered youth counted this year were within the ages of 18 24. 2?l a of Unsheltered Year Youth Age 18 -24? 2016 26 2017 23 2018 21 2019 16 The following table breaks down the 16 unsheltered youth by city. it of Unsheltered City or Area Youth Age 18 ~24 Merced 7 Los Banos 4 Atwater 4 Livingston 1 In order to determine the next stepsto best end homelessness among youth, the Homeless Youth Committee should have a study session with the during a future representatives meeting. Recommendation 3: End homelessness among unsheltered seniors age 62+ The number of homeless seniors age 62+ who were counted as unsheltered has steadily decreased during the past few years. of- Unsh?eltered Year Seniors Age 62+ 2016 21 2017 17 2018 11 2019 13 The following table breaks down seniors age 62+ by city and area. 22 of U'nsh'eltered - City or Area Seniors Age 62+ . Merced 8 Los Banos Atwater 1 In order to determine the next steps to best end homelessness among seniors age 62+, a new or existing committee concerning seniors should discuss next steps and make recommendations to the for adoption. Recommendation 4: End homelessness among unsheltered children and families The should adopt a no tolerance policy for children living on the streets, in vehicles, and other places not meant for human habitation and encourage each jurisdiction to do the same. There were four families with seven children who were counted as unsheltered during the 2019 homeless count. The following table breaks down families by city. 4 of Unsheltered A City or Area Families Merced 4 in order to determine the next steps to best end homelessness among unsheltered children and families, a new or existing committee should discuss next steps and make recommendations to the for adoption. 23 Appendix A instructions for Merced County 2019 Homeless Unsheltered Count Instrument Pre-Count Instructions Before counting someone 1. Please Inform the person that the Merced City and County Continuum of Care is conducting a count of persons who are homeless; 2. Their participation is completely anonymous and confidential; 3. You are not asking for their name, social security number, or any personal information that can be linked to the participant; 4. Their participation will help provide better programs and services for people who are homeless. Safety Comes First If you believe a person is homeless and the individual does not wish to speak to you thank the person and complete questions 3 through 7 based upon your observations ONLY if you are certain that the person meets HUD's criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicle, park bench, etc). if you believe a person is homeless and you do not wish to disturb the person because the person is sleeping complete questions 3 through 7 based upon your observations ONLY if you are certain that the person meets HUD's criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicle, park bench, etc). if you believe a person is homeless and if you feel it is unsafe for you to engage the person complete questions 3 through 7 based upon your observations ONLY if you are certain that the person meets HUD's criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicle, park bench, etc). NOTE: The goal is to have all of your questions answered by at least 90% of all persons counted. Therefore, please ask each person that you are counting each question unless noted otherwise. For example, asking a question may be contingent on the answer of the previous question. Having all questions answered with accuracy will help ensure that enough data has been collected for each subpopulation that is required by HUD for each city within the county. The less data the less chances of accurate data. 24 NamE: Merced County 2019 Homeless Count instrument Date: City or Area: Zone (if applicable): Describe location: Questions: (NOTE: if person is sleeping or you feel unsafe ONLY complete gray shaded questions based on observation) 1. Circle "yes" if you are certain that the person you are about to count and survey meets HUD's criteria of sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation 1 sidewalk, abandoned building, tent, vehicie, park bench, YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES etc.) If not certain, ask questiou 2 before asking other questions. 2. Did you sleep on the streets, or in an abandoned building, tent, canopy, or vehicle last night? (do not count the person if the person states that he or she slept YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES in a shelter or transitional housing programanswer to question 2 is then record "no" i and do not ask other questions. 3. First initial of First Name Only 4. First initial of Last Name Only 5. What is your gender? (Record Male; Female; Transgender; 0=Gender Non?Canforming (Le. not exclusively male or female) 6. Age: please record number for age group: 1=(under i 18) 2=[18 to 24) 3={25 to 49) to 54) to 61) 6={62 to 69) 7={70 to '79} 7. What is Your Race? (please read the race code at bottom of page before recording) Person Spouse] Person Spouse/ Person Spouse/ Person Spouse] 1 Partner 2 Partner 3 Partner 4 Partner YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES 9.AreyouSoutheastMian(Hmong, CambodianYES Taiwanese, laotian,Vietnamese, etcAre You Hispanic or Latino? 10. in what state where you born? Abbreviate state CA=Californial lf born outside the U.S. only abbreviate country MX=Mexico, CAN=Canada) . (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard)? If YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES the person does not respond leave this column unanswered. 12. Were you ever called into active duty as a member of the National Guard or as a Reservist? If person does not respond leave column unansWered. 13. Have you ever received healthcare or bene?ts from a Veterans Administration medical center? If person does YES YES YES YES YES YES YES not respond or know leave blank? . 14. Did you become homeless for the ?rst time during YES YES YES YES YES YES YES 3 YES thepast 12 months? . . NO 15. Do you have children under the age of 18 who are homeless and living with you on the streets today? {record number of children; ifnone note 16. Do you have a spouse or partner" living with you today? If "Yes," record answers to same questions for spouse or partner in the next column Race: 1=African American or Black; 2=American lndian or Alaskan Native; 3=Asian; 4=Native Hawaiian or Paci?c Islander; 5=White; Races or Other; 7=don't know; and 8=refused to answer 2019 Merced County Homeless Subpopulation Survey Today?s Date: Name of Interviewer: Location: 1. Did you sleep outdoors, in an abandoned building, tent, canopy, or vehicle last night? Li yes Ll no (If no, stop asking questions) 2. What is your gender? Ll Male Ll Female Transgender Ll Non-Conforming not exclusively or F) 3. Are you Hispanic or Latino? Ll yes Ll no Ll don?t know Ll refused 4. What is your race? lJ African American or Black Ll American lndian or Alaskan Native Ll Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Ll White Multiple Races or Other Ll Don?t Know Ll Refused 5. Are you Southeast Asian (Hmong, Cambodian, Taiwanese, Laotian, Vietnamese, etc.)? i iyes ll no I ldon't know I lrefused 6. What is your age: Under 18 18?24 25?29 Ll 30?39 Ill 40?Did you become homeless for the first time during the past 12 months? [3 yes l] no El don?t know refused 8. Have you been living in a shelter and/or on the streets or in abandoned buildings forthe past year or more? l3 yes El no don?t know l] refused 9. Have you stayed in a shelter or lived on the streets at least 4 separate times in last 3 years? El yes Cl no don?t know refused 10. if yes to was the combined length of time for these occasions at least 12 months? l3 yes l] no don't know refused 11. Have you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or called into active duty in National Guard or a Reservist? yes no Cl don?t know Cl refused 12. Ifyes to #11, Has a healthcare provider ever said you have post-traumatic stress disorder [3 yes Ll no don?t know Cl refused 13. Do you have a long-lasting physical disability? yes no l] don?t know Ll refused 14. Do you have a long-lasting developmental disability? Ll yes Ll no don?t know Ll refused 15. Do you have an can-going drug or alcohol problem that limits your ability to live independently? Ll yes Ll no Ll don?t know Ll refused 16. lfyes to #15, has it continued for a long time or indefinitely? yes no 13 don?t know refused 17. Do you feel you have a serious mental health problem that limits your ability to live independently? Ll yes Ll no Ll don?t know Ll refused 18. If yes to #17, has it continued for a long time or indefinitely? Ll yes Ll no Ll don?t know Ll refused 19. Do you have a chronic health condition such as Diabetes, Heart Trouble, High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Hepatitis, Respiratory Problems, Epilepsy, Tuberculosis, or Arthritis? Llyes no Ll don?t know Ll refused 20. If yes to #19, has it continued for a long time or indefinitely 8: impede your ability to live independently? Ll yes Ll no Ll don?t know l'l refused 21. in the past 12 months, how many times have you been admitted to the emergency room or hospital? 22. Have you been diagnosed with AIDS or tested positive for l7 yes l_l no l?l don?t know ll refused 23. Ever been a victim of domestic violence by an intimate partner? l?l yes ll no Tl don?t know l'l refused 24. Are you currently experiencing homelessness because you are fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking? 25. How much is your income? $0.00; [3 51-5250,- $251-$500; El El more than $1,000 26. Were you released from prison orjail during the past 12 months? El yes El no I) don?t know refused 27. If yes to #25, were you released after serving 90 days or less? yes [3 no Cl don?t know [l refused 28. When released, were you placed on probation or Cl parole don?t know El refused 29. How many times were you arrested during the past 12 months? 26