Hi IPUMS staff,
Is it possible to identify homeless individuals from the ACS?
Thanks!
The ACS or any other census survey will always struggle to identify the homeless population. This is because the primary sampling unit for the survey is a dwelling unit. The best identification for non-traditional dwelling units are identified via the GQTYPEvariable, but this variable does not specifically identify homeless individuals. After a quick search I found this report from 2017 by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. They might have some information that could be helpful to you.