Racial and gender bias in self-reported needs when using a homelessness triaging tool

Abstract

Self-reported surveys are commonly used when prioritising clients for homelessness services. Results can determine whether a homeless person receives housing or not. However, when relying on self-reported historic vulnerabilities, one needs to be concerned about the degree to which clients might feel stigmatised by these questions and report inaccurately. The present study compares self-reported data pertaining to mental health, emergency room healthcare, and incarceration with like administrative data. Our findings show that Black female clients are more likely to under-report mental health inpatient interactions and incarceration compared to Non-Black males in the same age group. There is a statistically significant association between under-reported mental health inpatient interactions and race for Black clients. Differently, under-reported emergency room healthcare or mental health crisis service uses did not have a statistically significant association with race or race-gender intersections. Relying on self-reported risks as a basis for homelessness services might be flawed.