Applied Survey Research released a report in November, the 1999 Monterey County Homeless Census and Needs Assessment, which details the first accurate empirical enumeration of a homeless population, replacing projections based on academic estimates of homeless incidence. (See also the many other Homeless persons studies ASR has performed.)

ASR employed an original mixed-methods approach to triangulate understanding of the target population, combining a general population survey of formerly homeless, conventional methodologies for studying the target population within shelters (expanded to include jails, county detention facilities, and hospitals), and rural and urban environmental enumerations (on the street, in the woods, and along rivers, on foot and by air). The study employed several unique methodologies, including deputizing homeless interviewers and offering socks as an incentive to participate.