Homelessness Aid Data Sources

“Are New York State’s government administrative efforts in aiding the homeless more or less
effective than nonprofit organizations?”

The dependent variable in this research study is the effectiveness of initiatives aimed
at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

EXPLAIN: What would be the data sources? (Pick from one of the two)

If you choose to collect data from primary data sets, LIST and describe those sources in great detail OR If you choose to build your own dataset, lay out the process for building and justification for that dataset.

What is the research question?,
What is the dependent variable?,
What are the two options for data collection?,
Which data option is selected?,
How will data be obtained and justified?

Homelessness Aid Data Sources

Selected Option: Building a New Dataset

Comprehensive Answer:

1. Research Question Recap:
The core question is: Are New York State’s government administrative efforts in aiding the homeless more or less effective than nonprofit organizations?

2. Dependent Variable:
The dependent variable is effectiveness of initiatives—measured in terms of outcomes like reduced homelessness, housing stability, employment, mental health services, and recidivism rates.

3. Chosen Data Collection Method:
I will build my own dataset, as existing data may not offer a direct, comparative view between state and nonprofit effectiveness. Building a dataset allows targeted, tailored measurement.

Process for Building the Dataset:

A. Define Variables and Metrics:

Type of provider: Government or nonprofit.
Outcome metrics:
- Housing placement rate
- Length of time homeless
- Employment rate after program exit
- Client satisfaction (via surveys)
- Service utilization rate (mental health, addiction recovery)

B. Identify Sample Population:

Select at least 10 government-run and 10 nonprofit-run programs in New York State.
Use random sampling to select clients from each provider for data collection.

C. Data Collection Tools:

Surveys and interviews with service users (to assess satisfaction and outcomes)
Site visits and observations (to verify program practices)
Program records and documentation reviews (to gather administrative data)

Homelessness Aid Data Sources

Collect data across a 12-month period to ensure longitudinal insight into program effectiveness and stability of results.

E. Justification for Building Dataset:

Comparative insights: Official datasets rarely offer side-by-side comparison of government and nonprofit performance.
Customization: Allows defining “effectiveness” based on multiple measurable indicators.
Timeliness: Some public data may be outdated; building a dataset ensures relevance and recency.
Context-specific metrics: Direct feedback from participants allows capturing human elements such as dignity, accessibility, and trust in services.

Ethical and Practical Considerations:

Obtain IRB approval or ethical review, especially for participant interviews.
Ensure confidentiality and informed consent.
Mitigate bias by using standardized survey tools and neutral language.

Blog