Counting matters, but how we count matters too: Considering the spatial and data politics of homelessness

Key Points

• Accurate counting methods reshape societal understanding of homelessness, and ultimately influences policy decisions.
• Spatial politics play a crucial role in how homelessness data is collected and interpreted, affecting resource distribution.
• Data representation significantly impacts public perception of homelessness, which can lead to either stigmatization or support for affected individuals.
• Highlighting the interplay between counting and representation emphasizes that how we count matters as much as the numbers themselves.

Abstract