Using the Vulnerability Index® to Assess the Health Needs of a Homeless Community.

Compiling a health needs profile of a difficult-to-reach population such as the homeless can be challenging, particularly when using a community-based participatory research approach. In this article, we describe our experience using the Vulnerability Index® (VI), a questionnaire developed by 100,000 Homes Campaign to assess and prioritize individuals in need of housing based on their risk of mortality. We found the VI easy to administer and helpful in creating a health needs profile of participants.