**GAO-10-702**                      Published: Jun 30, 2010. Publicly Released: Jun 30, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Multiple federal programs provide homelessness assistance through programs targeted to those experiencing homelessness or through mainstream programs that broadly assist low-income populations. Programs' definitions of homelessness range from including primarily people in homeless shelters or on the street to also including those living with others because of economic hardship. GAO was asked to address (1) the availability, completeness, and usefulness of federal data on homelessness, (2) the extent to which research identifies factors associated with experiencing homelessness, and (3) how differences in definitions and other factors impact the effectiveness of programs serving those experiencing homelessness. GAO reviewed laws, agency regulations, performance and planning documents, and data as well as literature on homelessness, and spoke with stakeholders, such as government officials and service providers, about potential barriers.

## Recommendations

## Recommendations for Executive Action

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## Full Report

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Full Report (85 pages)

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## GAO Contacts

Alicia Puente Cackley
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Sarah Kaczmarek
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## Topics

Housing

Data collectionData integrityDisadvantaged personsFederal agenciesFederal aid programsHomelessnessHousingHousing programsInteragency relationsPerformance managementProgram managementPublic assistance programsDemographyEligibility criteriaProgram coordinationFinancial assistance