The most recent assessment of local authority housing needs, including homeless persons, was carried out in March 1999. The assessment of the number of homeless persons was based on a broader definition of homeless persons which includes those with no accommodation, those in hostels and in health board accommodation and those staying with friends. Under this assessment, there was a total of 69 persons categorised as homeless in Waterford city, comprising of 55 adult males, six adult females and eight dependent children. At the time the assessment was carried out, these persons were living in hostel type accommodation. However, in general, not all persons identified as homeless in the assessment of housing needs would be in need of emergency accommodation. Some would stay with family or friends until suitable accommodation became available.