Following Calls From Rep. Cleaver, GAO Agrees to Review How U.S. Counts Homeless Population

Statement

Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) decision to review the ways in which the federal government takes count of the United States homeless population following calls from Reps. Cleaver and Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO).

"Homelessness anywhere is an utter shame, but the degree to which we have homelessness in the richest country in the history of the world is simply unconscionable," said Congressman Cleaver. "As the homeless crisis in the United States continues to grow, it's apparent that we need to reassess our efforts to ensure every American has a roof over their head at the end of every day. That must start with a review of how we actually take count of citizens who are experiencing homelessness, so that we may get a clearer picture of how and where we can reallocate federal attention to combat this crisis. I'm thankful to the GAO for acting upon our request, and I look forward to their findings in the coming months."

Currently, as Congressman Cleaver pointed out in a letter to GAO, for those experiencing homelessness to be included in the Point-in-Time (PIT) count, they must be visible by the volunteers and advocates who are counting, and they must be in a shelter or unsheltered. This typically occurs during the coldest of months and by counting each individual manually one-by-one. Sadly, this methodology leaves the potential for millions of people to be left unaccounted for, which has major ramifications in the fight to address homelessness, as well as the upcoming 2020 Census. The transitory nature of homelessness necessitates more comprehensive analysis of the problem grounded in empirical and experience-based analysis, which GAO has agreed fits within the scope of its authority. The lawmakers' letter was sent on the heels of a House Financial Services Committee hearing focused on homelessness in America.

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