📣 New Data Fields Added to Enhance Homelessness Tracking

As part of our continued commitment to advancing quality data and shared accountability, we are introducing three optional data fields that communities may choose to begin reporting on. These fields are designed to support more comprehensive and equitable tracking of homelessness, particularly among populations that are often underrepresented in existing data sets.

What’s New?

Effective May 2025, communities can opt to begin collecting and reporting the following new data fields.

1. Unsheltered Homeless Counts (by population group)

• Captures individuals living in unsheltered settings — such as streets, encampments, vehicles, or abandoned buildings.
• This count will be disaggregated by population (e.g., Single Adults, Veterans, Youth, Families).
• It’s a subset of the active homeless number and is vital for understanding the scope of unsheltered homelessness in your community.

2. Number of Youth in Transitional Beds

• Tracks unaccompanied youth living in transitional housing or temporary placements.
• These youth should be included in the active homeless count, but will not count toward Functional Zero (FZ) thresholds.

3. Number of Families in Victim Service Provider (VSP) Beds

• Identifies families staying in shelters provided by domestic violence or victim service providers.
• These families should be included in your active homeless count, though they will not be counted toward FZ, recognizing the unique role of VSP housing.

Why These Changes Matter

These fields are not required at this time, but we encourage communities to begin exploring their inclusion as they:

• Align community data collection with the most current Built for Zero definitions and reporting standards.
• Ensure visibility into unsheltered and vulnerable populations, especially youth and families who are often underrepresented in traditional housing data.
• Support better resource planning, equitable service delivery, and ultimately — progress toward ending homelessness.

What’s Next?

We’ll be providing:

• Updated reporting templates and system integration guidance.
• Training resources to support local data leads.
• Reference materials in the updated 2025 BFZ Reporting Manual which includes full definitions, standards, and examples.

If you have any questions or need technical support as you begin implementing these updates, please reach out to our Data Support team at bfzdatasupport@community.solutions.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to using data to drive change.