Every question HEAT asks
This page lists every question HEAT asks, in the order it asks them. Read them all before you answer any of them.
Public beta in development. Not for production decision making.
Staff, researchers, and people who have lived this are all welcome here. You can read the wording, the choices, and what we leave out on purpose. Instrument version 0.36.0-pilot (placeholder wording, before cognitive testing).
The evidence behind every question. Why each one exists, what it changes, what was rejected, and what could go wrong. Every question below links straight to its own entry, and every entry links back.
How answers are used. Every determination on a result page explains itself, answer by answer. Prioritization always belongs to your CoC's written policy, never to HEAT.
Every question takes “I do not know” and “I prefer not to answer,” with no penalty. HEAT never asks for a diagnosis. It never asks for details of a criminal record, or for anything that could be used against you. It collects no names and nothing that points to one person.
See something confusing, missing, or wrong? Use the Feedback button, bottom left. That is exactly what this page is for.
Not everyone answers all of them. 23 questions are asked of everyone. The rest are grouped, and each group below says who is asked it and why. The most anyone is ever asked is 37.
Questions everyone gets 24 questions
Everyone is asked these, in the order they appear here. One exception is noted on the question itself: 23 of the 24 are asked of every single person. Safety comes first. Then whether there is somewhere safe you could stay tonight. Then who you are and who is with you. Then where you stayed last night, and how long this has been going on. Last come what has worked before and what would help. In this group, four questions are worded differently for someone who has a place tonight. Those use the past tense. Wording written for a current street or shelter period describes a situation they are not in. Both wordings are printed below. The answers in this group decide whether any of the groups below get asked at all.
Are you in danger right now, or is someone hurting or threatening you?
Part of the conversation: Safety
This is about right now, today. A threat about later today counts too. You do not have to say who, or say anything more.
When answering for someone not present: “Are they in danger right now, or is someone hurting or threatening them?”
This is about right now, today. A threat about later today counts too. There is no need to say who, or to say anything more.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Are you in danger right now? Is someone hurting you or threatening you?”
When answering for someone not present: “Are they in danger right now? Is someone hurting them or threatening them?”
This is about right now, today.
A threat about later today counts too.
You do not have to say who.
You do not have to say more.
This is about right now, today.
A threat about later today counts too.
There is no need to say who.
There is no need to say more.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: it is about today; a threat about later today counts; no need to name who.
Do you have a medical emergency right now? This means something that needs care within minutes.
Part of the conversation: Safety
For example trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding, or a wound that cannot wait. This means an emergency right now. It does not mean a health problem you want care for some time soon.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have a medical emergency right now? This means something that needs care within minutes.”
For example trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding, or a wound that cannot wait. This means an emergency right now. It does not mean a health problem they want care for some time soon.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Is this a medical emergency? Is it right now? Do you need care in minutes?”
When answering for someone not present: “Is this a medical emergency? Is it right now? Do they need care in minutes?”
Here are some examples.
Trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Heavy bleeding.
A wound that cannot wait.
This means care in minutes.
It is not a health problem for later.
Here are some examples.
Trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Heavy bleeding.
A wound that cannot wait.
This means care in minutes.
It is not a health problem they can wait on.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: care within minutes; trouble breathing; heavy bleeding; a wound that cannot wait.
Is someone hurting you or scaring you? Or making you do things you do not want to do?
Part of the conversation: Safety
This includes violence from a partner, a family member, or anyone you stay with, no matter where you are staying. It also includes threats, or being forced or tricked into anything. If you have already left, and it is not safe to go back, that counts too. Program rules and court orders are not what this asks about. You never have to give details.
When answering for someone not present: “Is someone hurting them or scaring them? Or making them do things they do not want to do?”
This includes violence from a partner, a family member, or anyone they stay with, no matter where they are staying. It also includes threats, or being forced or tricked into anything. If they have already left, and it is not safe to go back, that counts too. Program rules and court orders are not what this asks about. They never have to give details.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Is someone hurting you or scaring you? Do they make you do things you do not want?”
When answering for someone not present: “Is someone hurting them or scaring them? Do they have to do things they do not want?”
It can be a partner or a family member.
It can be anyone you stay with.
It counts no matter where you stay.
Threats count too.
Being forced or tricked counts too.
If you already left, that still counts.
It counts if it is not safe to go back.
Program rules and court orders are not this.
You never have to give details.
It can be a partner or a family member.
It can be anyone they stay with.
It counts no matter where they stay.
Threats count too.
Being forced or tricked counts too.
If they already left, that still counts.
It counts if it is not safe to go back.
Program rules and court orders are not this.
They never have to give details.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a partner counts; a family member counts; anyone the person stays with counts; threats count; being forced or tricked counts; already left and cannot go back counts; program rules and court orders are not this; no details are ever required.
Is there someone you could safely stay with tonight, if you could get there?
Part of the conversation: Tonight's options
This means a person, not a shelter or a program. It has to be a place the person could get to tonight. The assessor can help figure out what it would take, like a ride or a phone call. This never closes any other option. This one can be skipped. Skipping is never written down as a no.
When nobody is helping: This means a person, not a shelter or a program. It has to be a place you could get to tonight. Getting there can be part of the help, like a ride or a phone call. This never closes any other option. This one can be skipped. Skipping is never written down as a no.
When answering for someone not present: “Is there someone they could safely stay with tonight, if they could get there?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Is there someone you could stay with tonight? It has to be safe. Could you get there?”
When answering for someone not present: “Is there someone they could stay with tonight? It has to be safe. Could they get there?”
This means a person.
It is not a shelter or a program.
It has to be a place you can reach tonight.
Getting there can be part of the help.
A ride or a phone call can be set up.
This never closes any other option.
This one can be skipped.
Skipping is never written down as a no.
This means a person.
It is not a shelter or a program.
It has to be a place they can reach tonight.
Getting there can be part of the help.
A ride or a phone call can be set up.
This never closes any other option.
This one can be skipped.
Skipping is never written down as a no.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a person, not a program; not a shelter; not a program; reachable tonight; getting there can be arranged.
About you: which age group are you in?
Part of the conversation: Who this is about
This asks about the age of the person this assessment is about. The right answer is the age right now, not an age coming up soon. The questions after this one count everyone else in the home, children included.
When answering for someone not present: “About them: which age group are they in?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“How old are you? Pick the group that fits.”
When answering for someone not present: “How old are they? Pick the group that fits.”
Use the age you are right now.
Do not use an age coming up soon.
The next questions ask about other people.
They ask about children too.
Use the age they are right now.
Do not use an age coming up soon.
The next questions ask about other people.
They ask about children too.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the age right now; later questions count children.
How many adults are in your household right now? Count yourself too.
Part of the conversation: Who this is about
Adults means anyone 18 or older. Count grown children staying with you. Count anyone else 18 or older who would move with you, even if you are apart right now.
When answering for someone not present: “How many adults are in their household right now? Include them in the count.”
Adults means anyone 18 or older. Count grown children staying with them. Count anyone else 18 or older who would move with them, even if they are apart right now.
When the person is under 18: “How many adults are in your household right now?”
When answering for someone under 18 who is not present: “How many adults are in their household right now?”
Adults means anyone 18 or older, so you are not counted here. Count anyone 18 or older who is with you now or who would move with you. If you are on your own, 0 is the right answer.
Adults means anyone 18 or older, so they are not counted here. Count anyone 18 or older who is with them now or who would move with them. If they are on their own, 0 is the right answer.
Under 18, the smallest answer allowed is 0.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“How many adults live with you right now? Count yourself too.”
When answering for someone not present: “How many adults live with them right now? Count them too.”
An adult is 18 or older.
Count grown children who stay with you.
Count anyone 18 or older who would move with you.
Count them even if you are apart right now.
An adult is 18 or older.
Count grown children who stay with them.
Count anyone 18 or older who would move with them.
Count them even if they are apart right now.
Simpler words, under 18: “How many adults live with you right now?”
Simpler words, under 18, answering for someone not present: “How many adults live with them right now?”
An adult is 18 or older.
So you are not counted here.
Count anyone 18 or older who is with you.
Count anyone who would move with you.
If you are on your own, put 0.
An adult is 18 or older.
So they are not counted here.
Count anyone 18 or older who is with them.
Count anyone who would move with them.
If they are on their own, put 0.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: an adult is 18 or older; count anyone who would move with the household.
How many children under 18 will live with you once you have housing?
Part of the conversation: Who this is about
Count the children who are with you now. Also count children staying with family, friends, or in foster care right now. Count those children if they would come back to live with you when you have a place.
When answering for someone not present: “How many children under 18 will live with them once they have housing?”
Count the children who are with them now. Also count children staying with family, friends, or in foster care right now. Count those children if they would come back to live with them when they have a place.
Count the children who are with you now. Also count children who are staying with family, friends, or in foster care right now. Count them if they would come back to live with you when you have a place. Some people under 18 are parents. If you are, enter your children here. If you are not, enter 0. Both are ordinary answers, and neither changes anything about your result.
Count the children who are with them now. Also count children who are staying with family, friends, or in foster care right now. Count them if they would come back to live with them when they have a place. Some people under 18 are parents. If they are, enter their children here. If they are not, enter 0. Both are ordinary answers, and neither changes anything about their result.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about when you have housing. How many children will live with you then? Count children under 18.”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about when they have housing. How many children will live with them then? Count children under 18.”
Count the children who are with you now.
Also count children who live somewhere else.
They may stay with family or friends.
They may be in foster care.
Count them if they would come back to you.
Count the children who are with them now.
Also count children who live somewhere else.
They may stay with family or friends.
They may be in foster care.
Count them if they would come back to them.
Count the children who are with you now.
Also count children who live somewhere else.
They may stay with family or friends.
They may be in foster care.
Count them if they would come back to you.
Some people under 18 are parents.
If you are, count your children here.
If you are not, put 0.
Both are fine, and neither changes your result.
Count the children who are with them now.
Also count children who live somewhere else.
They may stay with family or friends.
They may be in foster care.
Count them if they would come back to them.
Some people under 18 are parents.
If they are, count their children here.
If they are not, put 0.
Both are fine, and neither changes their result.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: children under 18; children staying with family or friends; children in foster care; children who would come back.
Do you have children under 18 who are not staying with you right now?
Part of the conversation: Who this is about
This takes in every child under 18 who is not staying with you right now. That means children who would come back to live with you once you have housing. It also means children who would not. It is asked only so help with family ties can be offered if you want it. It is never required, and it never affects who gets housing first.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have children under 18 who are not staying with them right now?”
This takes in every child under 18 who is not staying with them right now. That means children who would come back to live with them once they have housing. It also means children who would not. It is asked only so help with family ties can be offered if they want it. It is never required, and it never affects who gets housing first.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you have children under 18? Are any of them not living with you now?”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have children under 18? Are any of them not living with them now?”
This means any child under 18 who is away.
It counts if the child would come back to you.
It counts if the child would not.
Help with family ties can be offered.
You never have to take it.
This never affects who gets housing first.
This means any child under 18 who is away.
It counts if the child would come back to them.
It counts if the child would not.
Help with family ties can be offered.
They never have to take it.
This never affects who gets housing first.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: children under 18; whether the child would come back or not; the offer is help with family ties; it never affects who gets housing first.
Where did you stay last night?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
Last night, not tonight. Programs write down where a person really stayed the night before. It is also easier to answer about something that already happened. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. Being awake outside all night, with nowhere to sleep, counts as outside. A safe haven is a low barrier program for people coming from the street. Pick the motel choice only when a program or a charity paid for the room. A room paid for out of pocket is not the same answer; that one is somewhere else.
When answering for someone not present: “Where did they stay last night?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Where did you stay last night? Pick the closest one.”
When answering for someone not present: “Where did they stay last night? Pick the closest one.”
This is about last night, not tonight.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
Being awake outside all night counts as outside.
A safe haven is a low barrier program.
It is for people coming from the street.
Pick the motel choice only if a program paid.
A charity paying counts too.
If you paid, pick somewhere else.
This is about last night, not tonight.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
Being awake outside all night counts as outside.
A safe haven is a low barrier program.
It is for people coming from the street.
Pick the motel choice only if a program paid.
A charity paying counts too.
If they paid, pick somewhere else.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: last night, not tonight; a car is a place not meant for people to live in; a garage is a place not meant for people to live in; a park is a place not meant for people to live in; a safe haven is one of the answers; a motel counts only when a program or charity paid; paying out of pocket is somewhere else.
Where were you staying just before this time without housing began?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
That means the last place you had before this time without housing started. An earlier shelter or street stay can be the right answer here. A time without housing can end and start again after a break. Where you were just before this one began is what the next plan is built on.
When answering for someone not present: “Where were they staying just before this time without housing began?”
That means the last place they had before this time without housing started. An earlier shelter or street stay can be the right answer here. A time without housing can end and start again after a break. Where they were just before this one began is what the next plan is built on.
When the person has a place tonight (staying with family or friends, or in their own housing): “Where were you staying just before you came to where you are staying now?”
When answering for someone who has a place tonight and is not present: “Where were they staying just before they came to where they are staying now?”
That means the place you left right before this one, however long ago that was. A shelter, a car, or a place of your own that you lost can all be the right answer here. It helps plan your next steps and your support. Naming a shelter or the street here is never counted as time without housing.
That means the place they left right before this one, however long ago that was. A shelter, a car, or a place of their own that they lost can all be the right answer here. It helps plan their next steps and their support. Naming a shelter or the street here is never counted as time without housing.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about this time without housing. Where did you stay just before it began?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about this time without housing. Where did they stay just before it began?”
This means the last place you had.
It was the place right before this began.
A shelter or a street stay can be the answer.
A time without housing can end and start again.
The next plan is built on this answer.
This means the last place they had.
It was the place right before this began.
A shelter or a street stay can be the answer.
A time without housing can end and start again.
The next plan is built on this answer.
Simpler words, with a place tonight: “Think about the place you are in now. Where did you stay just before that?”
Simpler words, with a place tonight, answering for someone not present: “Think about the place they are in now. Where did they stay just before that?”
This means the place you left right before this one.
It does not matter how long ago that was.
It can be a shelter or a car.
It can be your own place that you lost.
This helps plan your next steps and support.
A shelter named here is not counted.
It is not counted as time without housing.
This means the place they left right before this one.
It does not matter how long ago that was.
It can be a shelter or a car.
It can be their own place that they lost.
This helps plan their next steps and support.
A shelter named here is not counted.
It is not counted as time without housing.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the period without housing; an earlier shelter stay can be the answer; the answer feeds the plan.
About how many months has it been since you had a permanent place to stay?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
Permanent means a place you could stay as long as you wanted, with or without your name on a lease. Any settled place counts, even if it was not your own. A shelter, a jail, or a treatment program is not a permanent place. If you have never had one, there is a choice for that.
When answering for someone not present: “About how many months has it been since they had a permanent place to stay?”
Permanent means a place they could stay as long as they wanted, with or without their name on a lease. Any settled place counts, even if it was not their own. A shelter, a jail, or a treatment program is not a permanent place. If they have never had one, there is a choice for that.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about your last permanent place. How many months ago was that?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about their last permanent place. How many months ago was that?”
A permanent place is one you can stay in.
You can stay as long as you want.
Your name does not have to be on a lease.
Any settled place counts.
It counts even if it was not your own.
A shelter is not a permanent place.
A jail or a treatment program is not one.
There is a choice if you never had one.
A permanent place is one they can stay in.
They can stay as long as they want.
Their name does not have to be on a lease.
Any settled place counts.
It counts even if it was not their own.
A shelter is not a permanent place.
A jail or a treatment program is not one.
There is a choice if they never had one.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: permanent means stay as long as you want; a lease is not required; a shelter is not permanent; a jail is not permanent; a treatment program is not permanent.
About when did you start staying outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? This means the time you are in now.
Part of the conversation: Housing history
An estimate is fine. This is about the most recent time, not the first one. Short stays housed (under 7 nights) or in a facility (under 90 days) do not restart this period. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here.
When answering for someone not present: “About when did they start staying outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? This means the time they are in now.”
When the person has a place tonight (staying with family or friends, or in their own housing): “Think back to the most recent time. About when did you start staying outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in?”
When answering for someone who has a place tonight and is not present: “Think back to the most recent time. About when did they start staying outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in?”
An estimate is fine. This is about the most recent of those times, not the first one. Short stays housed (under 7 nights) or in a facility (under 90 days) did not start a new period. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. The chronic homelessness rule reads where someone is staying now. So this answer is history for the plan, not part of that math. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here.
Not asked of everyone. Someone who stayed with family or friends last night, or in their own housing, may skip it. That happens when they also report no time on the streets or in a shelter in the past three years. There is no such period to date. A question that cannot apply is skipped rather than answered with a guess. Skipped counts as not asked, never as a missing answer.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“When did you start staying outside or in a shelter? This is about the time you are in now.”
When answering for someone not present: “When did they start staying outside or in a shelter? This is about the time they are in now.”
A guess is fine.
This is about the most recent time.
It is not about the first time.
A short stay in a home does not restart it.
That means under 7 nights.
A short stay in a facility does not restart it.
That means under 90 days.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program counts too.
A charity paying counts too.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
Simpler words, with a place tonight: “Think back to the most recent time. You stayed outside or in a shelter. When did that start?”
Simpler words, with a place tonight, answering for someone not present: “Think back to the most recent time. They stayed outside or in a shelter. When did that start?”
A guess is fine.
This is about the most recent of those times.
It is not about the first one.
A short stay in a home did not restart it.
That means under 7 nights.
A short stay in a facility did not restart it.
That means under 90 days.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program counts too.
A charity paying counts too.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
The chronic homelessness rule reads where you stay now.
So this answer is history for the plan.
It is not part of that math.
A guess is fine.
This is about the most recent of those times.
It is not about the first one.
A short stay in a home did not restart it.
That means under 7 nights.
A short stay in a facility did not restart it.
That means under 90 days.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program counts too.
A charity paying counts too.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
The chronic homelessness rule reads where they stay now.
So this answer is history for the plan.
It is not part of that math.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the most recent period, not the first; under 7 nights housed does not restart it; under 90 days in a facility does not restart it; a safe haven counts; transitional housing does not count; a park is a place not meant for people to live in.
Think about the past three years. How many separate times have you stayed outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? Count now as one of them.
Part of the conversation: Housing history
Time staying with family or friends does not count here. Two times count as separate when 7 or more nights housed came between them. Moving from one shelter or camp to another is still the same time. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center does not start a new time. That holds when the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter.
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past three years. How many separate times have they stayed outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? Count now as one of them.”
When the person has a place tonight (staying with family or friends, or in their own housing): “Think about the past three years. How many separate times did you stay outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in, if any? 0 is an ordinary answer.”
When answering for someone who has a place tonight and is not present: “Think about the past three years. How many separate times did they stay outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in, if any? 0 is an ordinary answer.”
Where you are staying now does not count. Time staying with family or friends, or in your own place, is not counted here. Two times count as separate when 7 or more nights housed came between them. Moving from one shelter or camp to another is still the same time. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center does not start a new time. That holds when the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter.
Where they are staying now does not count. Time staying with family or friends, or in their own place, is not counted here. Two times count as separate when 7 or more nights housed came between them. Moving from one shelter or camp to another is still the same time. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center does not start a new time. That holds when the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the past 3 years. How many separate times have you stayed outside? A shelter counts too. Count now as one of them.”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 3 years. How many separate times have they stayed outside? A shelter counts too. Count now as one of them.”
Time with family or friends does not count.
Two times are separate if you were housed between them.
That means 7 nights or more.
Moving from one shelter to another is still one time.
A camp counts the same way.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay does not start a new time.
A hospital or treatment stay is the same.
That holds if the stay was under 90 days.
It also holds if you were outside just before.
Time with family or friends does not count.
Two times are separate if they were housed between them.
That means 7 nights or more.
Moving from one shelter to another is still one time.
A camp counts the same way.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay does not start a new time.
A hospital or treatment stay is the same.
That holds if the stay was under 90 days.
It also holds if they were outside just before.
Simpler words, with a place tonight: “Think about the past 3 years. How many separate times did you stay outside? A shelter counts too. 0 is a real answer.”
Simpler words, with a place tonight, answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 3 years. How many separate times did they stay outside? A shelter counts too. 0 is a real answer.”
Where you stay now does not count.
Time with family or friends does not count.
Time in your own place does not count.
Two times are separate if you were housed between them.
That means 7 nights or more.
Moving from one shelter to another is still one time.
A camp counts the same way.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay does not start a new time.
A hospital or treatment stay is the same.
That holds if the stay was under 90 days.
It also holds if you were outside just before.
Where they stay now does not count.
Time with family or friends does not count.
Time in their own place does not count.
Two times are separate if they were housed between them.
That means 7 nights or more.
Moving from one shelter to another is still one time.
A camp counts the same way.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay does not start a new time.
A hospital or treatment stay is the same.
That holds if the stay was under 90 days.
It also holds if they were outside just before.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the past 3 years; separate times; 7 or more nights housed splits two times; a stay under 90 days does not start a new time; a safe haven counts; transitional housing does not count; time with family or friends does not count.
Think about the past three years. About how many months in all have you stayed outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
The three time questions do overlap, and each one is needed. HUD's rule for chronic homelessness (24 CFR 578.3) is math over three things: when this period started, how many separate times there have been, and how many months they add up to. Part of a month counts as a whole month. Time staying with family or friends does not count here. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center counts too. It counts if the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter. A stay that is still going on does not need to be counted here. If the exact number is not known, there is a choice for that.
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past three years. About how many months in all have they stayed outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in?”
When the person has a place tonight (staying with family or friends, or in their own housing): “Think about the past three years. About how many months in all did you stay outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? 0 is an ordinary answer.”
When answering for someone who has a place tonight and is not present: “Think about the past three years. About how many months in all did they stay outside, in an emergency shelter, or in a place not meant for people to live in? 0 is an ordinary answer.”
These questions overlap, and each one is needed. HUD's rule for chronic homelessness (24 CFR 578.3) is math over how many separate times there have been, and how many months they add up to. Part of a month counts as a whole month. Time staying with family or friends, or in your own place, does not count here. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center counts too. It counts if the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter. A stay that is still going on does not need to be counted here. If the exact number is not known, there is a choice for that.
These questions overlap, and each one is needed. HUD's rule for chronic homelessness (24 CFR 578.3) is math over how many separate times there have been, and how many months they add up to. Part of a month counts as a whole month. Time staying with family or friends, or in their own place, does not count here. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station. A safe haven counts here, and so does a motel or hotel that a program or a charity paid for. Time in a transitional housing program does not count here. A short stay in jail, a hospital, or a treatment center counts too. It counts if the stay was under 90 days, and the time right before it was outside or in a shelter. A stay that is still going on does not need to be counted here. If the exact number is not known, there is a choice for that.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the past 3 years. Add up all the months you stayed outside. A shelter counts too. About how many months is that?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 3 years. Add up all the months they stayed outside. A shelter counts too. About how many months is that?”
The 3 time questions do overlap.
Each one is needed.
The rule for chronic homelessness is 24 CFR 578.3.
It is math over 3 things.
When this time started.
How many separate times there have been.
How many months they add up to.
Part of a month counts as a whole month.
Time with family or friends does not count.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay counts.
A hospital or treatment stay counts too.
It counts if the stay was under 90 days.
It also counts if you were outside just before.
A stay that is still going does not need counting.
There is a choice if the number is not known.
The 3 time questions do overlap.
Each one is needed.
The rule for chronic homelessness is 24 CFR 578.3.
It is math over 3 things.
When this time started.
How many separate times there have been.
How many months they add up to.
Part of a month counts as a whole month.
Time with family or friends does not count.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay counts.
A hospital or treatment stay counts too.
It counts if the stay was under 90 days.
It also counts if they were outside just before.
A stay that is still going does not need counting.
There is a choice if the number is not known.
Simpler words, with a place tonight: “Think about the past 3 years. Add up all the months you stayed outside. A shelter counts too. 0 is a real answer.”
Simpler words, with a place tonight, answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 3 years. Add up all the months they stayed outside. A shelter counts too. 0 is a real answer.”
These questions overlap.
Each one is needed.
The rule for chronic homelessness is 24 CFR 578.3.
It is math over 2 things.
How many separate times there have been.
How many months they add up to.
Part of a month counts as a whole month.
Time with family or friends does not count.
Time in your own place does not count.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay counts.
A hospital or treatment stay counts too.
It counts if the stay was under 90 days.
It also counts if you were outside just before.
A stay that is still going does not need counting.
There is a choice if the number is not known.
These questions overlap.
Each one is needed.
The rule for chronic homelessness is 24 CFR 578.3.
It is math over 2 things.
How many separate times there have been.
How many months they add up to.
Part of a month counts as a whole month.
Time with family or friends does not count.
Time in their own place does not count.
A place not made for living counts.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
A safe haven counts.
A motel paid for by a program or charity counts.
Time in transitional housing does not count.
A short jail stay counts.
A hospital or treatment stay counts too.
It counts if the stay was under 90 days.
It also counts if they were outside just before.
A stay that is still going does not need counting.
There is a choice if the number is not known.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the past 3 years; the rule is 24 CFR 578.3; part of a month counts as a whole month; a facility stay under 90 days counts; a safe haven counts; transitional housing does not count; time with family or friends does not count.
Do you have any money coming in each month?
Part of the conversation: Strengths and resources
Any way at all counts: aid, a job, recycling cans, family, or people helping you out. Money that comes some months and not others still counts.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have any money coming in each month?”
Any way at all counts: aid, a job, recycling cans, family, or people helping them out. Money that comes some months and not others still counts.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you get any money each month?”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they get any money each month?”
Any money counts.
It can be aid or a job.
It can be from family.
It can be from people who help you.
Money from recycling cans counts.
Money that comes some months counts too.
Any money counts.
It can be aid or a job.
It can be from family.
It can be from people who help them.
Money from recycling cans counts.
Money that comes some months counts too.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: aid counts; a job counts; recycling counts; money from family counts; money in some months only still counts.
Have you ever had a place to stay that was stable for six months or longer?
Part of the conversation: Strengths and resources
Any place counts, even if it was not your own. Growing up in one place counts too. This is about what has worked, not what went wrong. It helps plan support and never affects priority.
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever had a place to stay that was stable for six months or longer?”
Any place counts, even if it was not their own. Growing up in one place counts too. This is about what has worked, not what went wrong. It helps plan support and never affects priority.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about a stable place you had. Did you stay 6 months or more?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about a stable place they had. Did they stay 6 months or more?”
Any place counts.
It counts even if it was not your own.
Growing up in one place counts too.
This asks what has worked.
It does not ask what went wrong.
It helps plan support.
It never changes your place in line.
Any place counts.
It counts even if it was not their own.
Growing up in one place counts too.
This asks what has worked.
It does not ask what went wrong.
It helps plan support.
It never changes their place in line.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: six months or longer; it counts even if the place was not the person's own; it asks what has worked; it helps plan support.
Say you had housing tomorrow. Would you need regular help from another person to keep it?
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
Help with anything at all counts. That could be managing money and bills. It could be medicine, appointments, cleaning, or anything else. This means help from a person, not money from a program.
When answering for someone not present: “Say they had housing tomorrow. Would they need regular help from another person to keep it?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Say you had housing tomorrow. Would you need help from another person? Would you need it often?”
When answering for someone not present: “Say they had housing tomorrow. Would they need help from another person? Would they need it often?”
Any kind of help counts.
It can be help with money or bills.
It can be help with medicine.
It can be help with appointments.
It can be help with cleaning.
This means help from a person.
It does not mean money from a program.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: help with bills; help with medicine; help with appointments; help with cleaning; help from a person; not money from a program.
Think about the past 12 months. About how many times have you been to an emergency room?
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
This means a hospital emergency room. Urgent care or a regular clinic does not count. Any reason counts, and an estimate is fine.
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 12 months. About how many times have they been to an emergency room?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the past 12 months. How many times did you go to the emergency room?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 12 months. How many times did they go to the emergency room?”
This means a hospital emergency room.
Urgent care does not count.
A regular clinic does not count.
Any reason counts.
A guess is fine.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the past 12 months; a hospital emergency room; urgent care does not count; a regular clinic does not count.
Have you ever needed medical care because you could not get warm? Frostbite or hypothermia would count.
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
Cold injuries are one of the strongest warning signs that being without housing is a danger to a person's life. It counts even if you could not get to a doctor. Answering helps match the right level of support. If you prefer not to answer, choose “I prefer not to answer.”
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever needed medical care because they could not get warm? Frostbite or hypothermia would count.”
Cold injuries are one of the strongest warning signs that being without housing is a danger to a person's life. It counts even if they could not get to a doctor. Answering helps match the right level of support. It is always fine to choose “I do not know” or “I prefer not to answer.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Have you ever needed care because you got too cold? Frostbite counts. Hypothermia counts.”
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever needed care because they got too cold? Frostbite counts. Hypothermia counts.”
Cold injuries are a strong warning sign.
They show that being without housing can be deadly.
This is about not being able to get warm.
It counts even if you never saw a doctor.
Your answer helps match the right support.
You can say you do not know.
You can say you do not want to answer.
Cold injuries are a strong warning sign.
They show that being without housing can be deadly.
This is about not being able to get warm.
It counts even if they never saw a doctor.
Their answer helps match the right support.
They can say they do not know.
They can say they do not want to answer.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: frostbite counts; hypothermia counts; it is about not being able to get warm; it counts without a doctor; the answer only matches support.
Have you ever needed medical care because you could not get out of the heat? Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or dehydration would count.
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
Heat illness, like cold injury, is a strong warning sign that being without housing is a danger to a person's life. Wildfire smoke or heavy smoke counts as well, if being in it meant you needed medical care. It counts even if you could not get to a doctor. Answering helps match the right level of support. If you prefer not to answer, choose “I prefer not to answer.”
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever needed medical care because they could not get out of the heat? Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or dehydration would count.”
Heat illness, like cold injury, is a strong warning sign that being without housing is a danger to a person's life. Wildfire smoke or heavy smoke counts as well, if being in it meant they needed medical care. It counts even if they could not get to a doctor. Answering helps match the right level of support. It is always fine to choose “I do not know” or “I prefer not to answer.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Have you ever needed care because of the heat? Heat stroke or heat exhaustion counts. Dehydration counts too.”
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever needed care because of the heat? Heat stroke or heat exhaustion counts. Dehydration counts too.”
Heat illness is a strong warning sign.
It shows that being without housing can be deadly.
Cold injury is a warning sign in the same way.
This is about not getting out of the heat.
Heavy smoke counts too, like wildfire smoke.
It counts if the smoke meant you needed care.
It counts even if you never saw a doctor.
Your answer helps match the right support.
You can say you do not know.
You can say you do not want to answer.
Heat illness is a strong warning sign.
It shows that being without housing can be deadly.
Cold injury is a warning sign in the same way.
This is about not getting out of the heat.
Heavy smoke counts too, like wildfire smoke.
It counts if the smoke meant they needed care.
It counts even if they never saw a doctor.
Their answer helps match the right support.
They can say they do not know.
They can say they do not want to answer.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: heat stroke counts; heat exhaustion counts; dehydration counts; heavy smoke counts; it counts without a doctor; the answer only matches support.
In the past 12 months, did you overdose? Or did anyone use Narcan on you, or dial 911 because of your drinking or drug use?
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
This is only about getting the right support. It never blocks any housing option, and treatment is never required. If you prefer not to answer, choose “I prefer not to answer.”
When answering for someone not present: “In the past 12 months, did they overdose? Or did anyone use Narcan on them, or dial 911 because of their drinking or drug use?”
This is only about getting the right support. It never blocks any housing option, and treatment is never required. It is always fine to choose “I do not know” or “I prefer not to answer.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the past 12 months. Did you overdose? Did anyone use Narcan on you? Did anyone dial 911 about your drinking or drug use?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 12 months. Did they overdose? Did anyone use Narcan on them? Did anyone dial 911 about their drinking or drug use?”
This is only about getting the right support.
It never blocks any housing option.
Treatment is never required.
You can say you do not know.
You can say you do not want to answer.
This is only about getting the right support.
It never blocks any housing option.
Treatment is never required.
They can say they do not know.
They can say they do not want to answer.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the past 12 months; an overdose counts; Narcan counts; a 911 call counts; it never blocks a housing option; treatment is never required.
In the past 12 months, have you tried to end your life?
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
If any of this is close to you right now, you can dial or text 988 any hour to reach someone who will listen. Your answer helps match support and never counts against you. If you prefer not to answer, choose “I prefer not to answer.”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 12 months. As far as you know, have they tried to end their life?”
If any of this is close to them right now, they can dial or text 988 at any hour. Someone will listen. Their answer helps match support and never counts against them. It is always fine to choose “I do not know” or “I prefer not to answer.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the past 12 months. Have you tried to end your life?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the past 12 months. Have they tried to end their life? Answer as well as you know.”
You can dial or text 988 at any hour.
Someone will listen.
Your answer helps match support.
It never counts against you.
You can say you do not want to answer.
They can dial or text 988 at any hour.
Someone will listen.
Their answer helps match support.
It never counts against them.
They can say they do not want to answer.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the past 12 months; 988 is there at any hour; it never counts against the person.
Do you have your ID or papers that show who you are? Could you get them within a few days?
Part of the conversation: Practical needs
ID means things like a state ID or driver license, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card. Answer no if getting them would take money, travel, or a request to an office far away. Having some of them, but not all, is still a no. Help getting papers back can be offered. It is never required.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have their ID or papers that show who they are? Could they get them within a few days?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you have your ID or papers? Could you get them in a few days?”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have their ID or papers? Could they get them in a few days?”
ID means a state ID or driver license.
It also means a birth certificate.
It also means a Social Security card.
Say no if getting them would cost money.
Say no if you would have to travel.
Say no if you must ask a far away office.
Having some but not all is still a no.
Help getting papers back can be offered.
It is never required.
ID means a state ID or driver license.
It also means a birth certificate.
It also means a Social Security card.
Say no if getting them would cost money.
Say no if they would have to travel.
Say no if they must ask a far away office.
Having some but not all is still a no.
Help getting papers back can be offered.
It is never required.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a driver license is ID; a birth certificate is ID; a Social Security card is ID; travel makes it a no; having some but not all is still a no.
Do you have any pets or other animals that stay with you?
Part of the conversation: Practical needs
One or more, any kind. A service animal or an emotional support animal counts here. An animal staying with someone else for now counts too. Pets never affect your place in line or any result here. Knowing helps find housing that works for you and your animals.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have any pets or other animals that stay with them?”
One or more, any kind. A service animal or an emotional support animal counts here. An animal staying with someone else for now counts too. Pets never affect their place in line or any result here. Knowing helps find housing that works for them and their animals.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you have pets or animals that stay with you?”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have pets or animals that stay with them?”
One animal counts.
More than one counts.
Any kind counts.
A service animal counts.
An emotional support animal counts.
An animal staying with someone else counts.
Pets never change your place in line.
Pets never change any result.
Knowing helps find housing that works for you.
One animal counts.
More than one counts.
Any kind counts.
A service animal counts.
An emotional support animal counts.
An animal staying with someone else counts.
Pets never change their place in line.
Pets never change any result.
Knowing helps find housing that works for them.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a service animal counts; an emotional support animal counts; pets never change place in line.
About your pets 1 question
Asked only when the core question about a pet or animal that stays with you was answered yes. A pet changes which options really work. Many programs and shelters cannot take animals, and people turn down help rather than give up a pet. Asking it here means help getting a support-animal letter is offered only where it would be useful. The answer changes no determination.
Do you have a letter for your animals?
Part of the conversation: Practical needs
It can be a letter for a service animal, or one for an emotional support animal. Vet records or a license are not the same thing. If there is no letter, help getting one can be offered. It is never required, and there is no wrong answer. A service animal is trained to do a specific task. An emotional support animal does not have to be trained. Any licensed health professional who treats you can write that letter. Tell the assessor what kind of animals you have, and how many. That helps with the housing search.
When nobody is helping: It can be a letter for a service animal, or one for an emotional support animal. Vet records or a license are not the same thing. If there is no letter, help getting one can be offered. It is never required, and there is no wrong answer. A service animal is trained to do a specific task. An emotional support animal does not have to be trained. Any licensed health professional who treats you can write that letter. It is worth saying what kind of animals you have, and how many, at the housing help office. That helps with the search.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have a letter for their animals?”
It can be a letter for a service animal, or one for an emotional support animal. Vet records or a license are not the same thing. If there is no letter, help getting one can be offered. It is never required, and there is no wrong answer. A service animal is trained to do a specific task. An emotional support animal does not have to be trained. Any licensed health professional who treats them can write that letter. Noting what kind of animals they have, and how many, helps with the housing search.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Is there a letter for your animals? Yes or no is fine.”
When answering for someone not present: “Is there a letter for their animals? Yes or no is fine.”
It can be a letter for a service animal.
It can be a letter for an emotional support animal.
Vet records are not the same thing.
A license is not the same thing.
If there is no letter, help can be offered.
It is never required.
There is no wrong answer.
A service animal is trained to do a task.
An emotional support animal does not need training.
A health worker who treats you can write the letter.
Say what kind of animals you have.
Say how many.
That helps the housing search.
It can be a letter for a service animal.
It can be a letter for an emotional support animal.
Vet records are not the same thing.
A license is not the same thing.
If there is no letter, help can be offered.
It is never required.
There is no wrong answer.
A service animal is trained to do a task.
An emotional support animal does not need training.
A health worker who treats them can write the letter.
Noting what kind of animals they have helps.
Noting how many helps too.
That helps the housing search.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a service animal letter; an emotional support animal letter; vet records are not the letter; a license is not the letter; a service animal is trained, an emotional support animal need not be; how many animals matters for the search.
Adult context 2 questions
Asked of adults only. Anyone who gives their age as under 18 skips both of these. They are about military service and about an eviction case in court, and neither one applies to them. HUD's own coordinated entry guidance uses this exact skip as its worked example. A question that is skipped counts as not asked, never as a no. So no one loses a veteran pathway by not being asked about it. Only an answered under 18 skips them. If the age question is skipped, not known, or declined, these two are asked anyway. That was added in instrument 0.29.0-pilot. The old rule did the opposite of what it should. An adult veteran who did not answer the age question was never asked about military service either. The record ended with two gaps where it had one. The veteran pathway was lost to a blank age field. Nobody is worse off for being asked. Neither answer changes any result on the page. They raise a flag and offer help, and nothing else.
Have you, or anyone in your household, ever been in the United States military? Going to boot camp or basic training counts too.
Part of the conversation: Who this is about
The National Guard and the Reserves count. Any length of service counts, and so does any kind of discharge.
When answering for someone not present: “Have they, or anyone in their household, ever been in the United States military? Going to boot camp or basic training counts too.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Have you ever been in the United States military? Has anyone in your home? Boot camp or basic training counts.”
When answering for someone not present: “Have they ever been in the United States military? Has anyone in their home? Boot camp or basic training counts.”
The National Guard counts.
The Reserves count.
Any length of service counts.
Any kind of discharge counts.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: boot camp counts; basic training counts; the National Guard counts; the Reserves count; any discharge counts.
Is there an eviction case against you in court right now?
Part of the conversation: Practical needs
This means a case already filed in court. A letter or notice from a landlord is not a court case. If a judge has already ruled, the answer is still yes.
When answering for someone not present: “Is there an eviction case against them in court right now?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Is someone taking you to court to evict you? This means right now.”
When answering for someone not present: “Is someone taking them to court to evict them? This means right now.”
This means a case already filed in court.
A letter from a landlord is not a court case.
A notice from a landlord is not one either.
The answer is still yes if a judge already ruled.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a case filed in court; a landlord letter is not a court case; a judge already ruling is still yes.
Chronicity documentation 1 question
Asked when the housing-history answers point to a long or repeated time without housing. It is also asked when one of those answers is missing. Any one of three answers opens it. Twelve months or more in the past three years. Four or more separate times in those three years. Or twelve months or more since the last permanent place. It opens a fourth way as well, and that way is for a missing answer. Say last night was spent outside, in an emergency shelter, in a hospital, jail or treatment facility, or somewhere else. Then say one of those three housing-history answers was skipped, not known, or declined. The question is asked anyway. That fourth way was added in instrument 0.28.0-pilot. The old rule did the opposite of what it should. A person who could not answer one history question was never asked this one either. A record with one gap ended with two. Nobody is worse off for being asked. The answer can still be skipped or declined. In that situation one more fact decides what paperwork a community has to gather. The question is yes or no only. It never asks what the condition is.
Do you have a condition that is expected to be long-lasting and makes it harder to live on your own? You do not need to say what it is.
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
This can be a physical health problem, a mental health problem, a disability, or a problem with drinking or drugs. It counts if it is expected to last a long time. It counts even if you are getting by right now. You still do not have to say what it is.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have a condition that is expected to be long-lasting and makes it harder to live on their own? There is no need to say what it is.”
This can be a physical health problem, a mental health problem, a disability, or a problem with drinking or drugs. It counts if it is expected to last a long time. It counts even if they are getting by right now. There is still no need to say what it is.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you have a condition that lasts a long time? Does it make living on your own harder? You do not have to say what it is.”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have a condition that lasts a long time? Does it make living on their own harder? There is no need to say what it is.”
It can be a physical health problem.
It can be a mental health problem.
It can be a disability.
It can be a problem with drinking or drugs.
It counts if it will last a long time.
It counts even if you are getting by now.
You still do not have to say what it is.
It can be a physical health problem.
It can be a mental health problem.
It can be a disability.
It can be a problem with drinking or drugs.
It counts if it will last a long time.
It counts even if they are getting by now.
There is still no need to say what it is.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a physical health problem counts; a mental health problem counts; drinking or drugs can count; it has to be expected to last a long time; nobody has to say what it is.
About the facility stay 3 questions
Asked only of people who answered that last night was spent in a hospital, jail, or treatment facility. Three things change what has to be arranged before the discharge date. How long the stay has run. Where the person was staying just before it. And whether they expect to leave within days. The point is that nobody leaves a facility to the street.
How long have you been in the facility so far?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
This is about this stay only. Count from the day you went in this time. An estimate is fine. 90 days is about three months.
When answering for someone not present: “How long have they been in the facility so far?”
This is about this stay only. Count from the day they went in this time. An estimate is fine. 90 days is about three months.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“How long have you been in this facility? Count only this stay.”
When answering for someone not present: “How long have they been in this facility? Count only this stay.”
This is about this stay only.
Count from the day you went in.
A guess is fine.
90 days is about 3 months.
This is about this stay only.
Count from the day they went in.
A guess is fine.
90 days is about 3 months.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: this stay only; 90 days is the boundary.
Just before you went in, were you staying outside or in an emergency shelter? A place not meant for people to live in counts too.
Part of the conversation: Housing history
This means the night before going in. A place not meant for people to live in means a car, a van, a shed, or a garage. It also means a storage unit, an abandoned building, a park, or a bus or train station.
When answering for someone not present: “Just before they went in, were they staying outside or in an emergency shelter? A place not meant for people to live in counts too.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Think about the night before you went in. Were you staying outside or in a shelter?”
When answering for someone not present: “Think about the night before they went in. Were they staying outside or in a shelter?”
This means the night before going in.
A place not made for living counts too.
That means a car, a van, or a shed.
It also means a garage or a storage unit.
It also means an empty building or a park.
It also means a bus or train station.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: the night before going in; a car is a place not meant for people to live in; a park is a place not meant for people to live in.
Do you expect to leave this facility within the next few days?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
If leaving is close, planning starts now. That way nobody leaves to the street on the day of discharge.
When answering for someone not present: “Are they expected to leave the facility within the next few days?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Will you leave this facility in the next few days?”
When answering for someone not present: “Will they leave this facility in the next few days?”
Planning starts now if leaving is close.
That way nobody leaves to the street.
Nobody should leave with nowhere to go.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: nobody leaves to the street; planning starts now.
Support preferences 3 questions
Asked only of people who answered yes to the core safety question. That is the one about someone hurting them or scaring them. It also covers being made to do things they do not want to do. Both questions are about what the person wants, not about who is eligible. One asks whether help leaving is wanted. The other asks whether working with an advocate would feel better. Every housing option stays open either way, and either answer can be changed later.
Do you want help leaving the unsafe situation?
Part of the conversation: Safety
There is no wrong answer and nothing is required. Housing help continues either way.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they want help leaving the unsafe situation?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Do you want help to leave? This is about what is not safe.”
When answering for someone not present: “Do they want help to leave? This is about what is not safe.”
There is no wrong answer.
Nothing is required.
Housing help goes on either way.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: there is no wrong answer; housing help continues either way.
Do you have money, or people, who could get you into another place to live? It has to be a safe one.
Part of the conversation: Safety
This is about a place of your own, for the long run. It is not about tonight. There is no wrong answer, and no answer here is checked. Saying no never counts against you, and saying yes closes no doors. This one can be skipped. Skipping is never written down as a no.
When answering for someone not present: “Do they have money, or people, who could get them into another place to live? It has to be a safe one.”
This is about a place of their own, for the long run. It is not about tonight. There is no wrong answer, and no answer here is checked. Saying no never counts against them, and saying yes closes no doors. This one can be skipped. Skipping is never written down as a no.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Could you get into another place to live? Money or people could help. It has to be safe.”
When answering for someone not present: “Could they get into another place to live? Money or people could help. It has to be safe.”
This is about a place of your own.
It is about the long run.
It is not about tonight.
There is no wrong answer.
No answer here is checked.
Saying no never counts against you.
Saying yes closes no doors.
This one can be skipped.
Skipping is never written down as a no.
This is about a place of their own.
It is about the long run.
It is not about tonight.
There is no wrong answer.
No answer here is checked.
Saying no never counts against them.
Saying yes closes no doors.
This one can be skipped.
Skipping is never written down as a no.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a place for the long run; not about tonight; no answer here is checked; saying yes closes no doors.
Would you rather work with an advocate? An advocate helps people who are leaving a place that is not safe.
Part of the conversation: Safety
This choice closes no doors: every housing option in the process stays open either way. It only changes who helps, and you can change your mind at any time.
When answering for someone not present: “Would they rather work with an advocate? An advocate helps people who are leaving a place that is not safe.”
This choice closes no doors: every housing option in the process stays open either way. It only changes who helps, and they can change their mind at any time.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Would you rather work with an advocate? They help people who are leaving harm. That means a place that is not safe.”
When answering for someone not present: “Would they rather work with an advocate? They help people who are leaving harm. That means a place that is not safe.”
This choice closes no doors.
Every housing option stays open.
It only changes who helps you.
You can change your mind at any time.
This choice closes no doors.
Every housing option stays open.
It only changes who helps them.
They can change their mind at any time.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: an advocate; it closes no doors; every housing option stays open; the choice can change.
What worked before 2 questions
Asked only of people who answered yes to the core question about a stable place. That is the one about ever having had a stable place for six months or longer. If something worked once, naming it, and roughly when it was, gives the next plan somewhere to start. Anyone without that experience is never asked to produce one. Neither answer changes any determination: both are printed on the result for the people doing the planning. The question about when that stable time was exists so that “ever” can stay open to everyone. A stable place in childhood still counts. A worker can see which kind of stability the plan is being built on.
Looking back, what made it possible for you to stay housed?
Part of the conversation: Strengths and resources
Pick the biggest one. There are no wrong answers.
When answering for someone not present: “Looking back, what made it possible for them to stay housed?”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Look back. What helped you stay housed?”
When answering for someone not present: “Look back. What helped them stay housed?”
Pick the biggest one.
There are no wrong answers.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: pick the biggest one; there are no wrong answers.
About when was that stable place, and were you an adult then?
Part of the conversation: Strengths and resources
An estimate is fine. If it was when you were a child or teenager, choose that answer, even if it was recent. It is asked so the next plan can build on what actually worked, and no answer here changes any result.
When answering for someone not present: “About when was that stable place, and were they an adult then?”
An estimate is fine. If it was when they were a child or teenager, choose that answer, even if it was recent. It is asked so the next plan can build on what actually worked, and no answer here changes any result.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“When was that stable place? Were you an adult then?”
When answering for someone not present: “When was that stable place? Were they an adult then?”
A guess is fine.
Pick the child or teenager answer if that fits.
Pick it even if it was recent.
The next plan builds on what worked.
No answer here changes any result.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: a childhood or teenage answer is allowed; it builds on what worked; it changes no result.
About the place you are staying 1 question
Asked only of people who still have a place tonight. That means staying with family or friends, in their own housing, or somewhere else they described. The one question is whether that place is about to end within two weeks. That is what opens a prevention and diversion talk rather than a shelter one. People who answered that they stayed outside, in a shelter, or in a facility are not asked it.
Are you about to lose the place you are staying within the next two weeks?
Part of the conversation: Housing history
This means you have to be out within two weeks. Being asked to leave counts, even if nothing is in writing. A place you can stay in for longer than that is not what this asks about.
When answering for someone not present: “Are they about to lose the place they are staying within the next two weeks?”
This means they have to be out within two weeks. Being asked to leave counts, even if nothing is in writing. A place they can stay in for longer than that is not what this asks about.
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“Will you lose the place you stay in? This means in the next 2 weeks.”
When answering for someone not present: “Will they lose the place they stay in? This means in the next 2 weeks.”
This means you have to be out in 2 weeks.
Being asked to leave counts.
It counts even if nothing is in writing.
A place you can stay in longer is not this.
This means they have to be out in 2 weeks.
Being asked to leave counts.
It counts even if nothing is in writing.
A place they can stay in longer is not this.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: within two weeks; nothing has to be in writing.
What kind of help 1 question
Asked only of people who answered yes to the core question about needing regular help. That is help from another person, to keep housing. It comes directly after it. It is the one question in the assessment where more than one answer can be chosen. More than one kind of help is usually the truth. Nothing here is scored: no rule reads it, no result moves, and it is not a disability assessment. It exists so the list of what would really help reaches the person doing the planning. Without it, that list has to be rebuilt later from a yes.
What kinds of help would make it easier to keep housing? Choose as many as fit.
Part of the conversation: Health and safety needs
Nothing here is scored and nothing on this list is required. It is a starting point for a talk about support. Any of it can change later.
When answering for someone not present: “What kinds of help would make it easier for them to keep housing? Choose as many as fit.”
In simpler words (“Say it simpler”, the same question, the same answers, never the scored wording):
“What help would make keeping housing easier? Pick as many as fit.”
When answering for someone not present: “What help would make keeping housing easier for them? Pick as many as fit.”
Nothing here is scored.
Nothing on this list is required.
It is a starting point for a talk about support.
Any of it can change later.
Boundaries the simpler wording must keep: nothing here is scored; nothing is required; it starts a talk about support.