METHODS

Since 2016, LAHSA has used the Youth Count Survey as a tool to capture the demographic characteristics of youth experiencing homelessness. Based on the number of surveys we collect, we can also estimate approximately how many youth are experiencing unsheltered homelessness based on the HUD definition of homelessness. This document conceptually explains how LAHSA uses the number of completed surveys to estimate the number of unsheltered youth during the Count. Please note that all numbers used below are for demonstration purposes only. LAHSA will release a detailed methodology report along with estimates after the 2017 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

OVERVIEW OF SAMPLING METHODOLOGY

Example: Service Planning Area (SPA) X with 16 Census Tracts

First, we determine all census tracts based on the likelihood of finding youth and categorize each tract into three groups :

A = Census tracts with drop-in centers and youth hotspots identified by youth and youth providers
B = Census tracts with historic youth count data and street count youth data
C= Census tracts without hotspots or historic youth count data

Second, based on the category, we determine how many tracts we will be surveying from each group. We call these rules “Probability of Selection.”

Finally, once the surveys are collected, we multiply the number of eligible surveys by sample weights. Sample weights are calculated by taking inverse of the probability of selection. So for example, the SPA collected a total of 8 surveys, and the number of youth experiencing unsheltered homelessness is estimated to be 19. See example below:

Surveys
For 2021, surveys will be distributed across each SPA to ensure that we get accurate estimates of youth experiencing homelessness. LAHSA will provide $10 visa giftcard compensation for eligible youth who participate in the survey. The cards distributed will cover the minimum number of surveys needed. However, if additional surveys can be conducted, survey site providers and street survey teams are encouraged to do so and should request additional gift cards and should continue surveying youth that consent to taking the survey during the survey period.

Eligible Participants for the Youth Survey
The Youth Count is a survey-based count of unsheltered transition age youth (TAY), unaccompanied minors, and young families. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines unsheltered persons as: “An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.”

All individuals, unaccompanied minors, and young families that fulfill this definition are eligible to be included in the total youth count.

• Unaccompanied Minors are individuals or families, where every member is under the age of 18

• TAY Families: At least one member is under the age of 25, at least one member is under the age of 18, and no member is aged 25 or older

Youth eligible for participation must be under the age of 25 and unsheltered. Unsheltered youth are literally homeless and do not live in a project classified as emergency shelter or transitional housing. Youth qualify based on where they sleep at night; unsheltered youth may be sleeping on the street, or in a place that is not meant for human habitation, such as a car, van, tent, or some other type of makeshift structure. Youth who are "doubled up," living in a housing situation with more than one other household sharing the same unit, are not eligible for the Youth Survey.