As more states and local jurisdictions continue publishing homeless mortality reports, it is becoming clear that the varying methodologies used to collect and report this data make it difficult to estimate broader national estimates. This limits our understanding of the nationwide impact of homelessness on the likelihood of dying. Different data sources and reporting categories make it challenging to identify demographic disparities, trends, and other factors that can inform more targeted public health interventions.
This document outlines considerations for reporting homelessness status, age, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and manner of death in homeless mortality reports.