The County of Monterey, under the auspices of the Department of Social Services, contracted Applied Survey Research to undertake an update of their 1999 Homeless Census. The 2002 report is entitled Homeless Census and Homeless Youth / Foster Teen Study. This study also included a series of surveys focusing on the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, youth. Additionally, in response to a growing body of research that demonstrates a disturbing link between placement into foster care and homelessness, surveys were conducted among youth preparing for their departure from foster care, and among foster care providers. To supplement data collected in these surveys, focus groups were also conducted with teens preparing to emancipate from foster care, youth who already had emancipated from foster care, and foster care caseworkers. (See also, the 1999 Monterey County Homeless Census and Needs Assessment and the 2005 Santa Cruz County Homeless Census and Survey.)

The methodology used in this study was successfully implemented in Monterey County in 1999, further refined in Santa Cruz County in 2000, and touted as an example of "best practice" research by a statewide coalition of homeless advocacy and service provider organizations. A cornerstone of this methodology is the point-in-time count of street and sheltered homeless. The street count was accomplished through systematic canvassing of all census tracts throughout the county. To supplement the point-in-time figure, an annualized estimate was also produced. Further, a survey was conducted of homeless youth between the ages of 14 - 21, as well as a survey of youth in foster care, and foster care providers.