FYI: If you are interested in "what is a housing unit? what is a group quarters?": there is a short explainer here: https://metrocouncil.org/Handbook/Files/Resources/Fact-Sheet/LAND-USE/Housing-Unit-vs-Group-Quarter.aspx The explainer is written for city planners; researchers and demographers can use it also.
This month, I updated this explainer to include the most recent (2020 Census) clarifications and documentation links.
I expect Census Bureau staff will say that there is no recent change in its definitions -- but 2020 Census Technical Documentation did clarify some nuances and gray areas – for example: when hotel rooms are housing units vs. a group quarters vs. commercial buildings (not housing at all).
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Cheers,
Todd Graham
Metropolitan Council Research
Really good question. It may depend on where these are located.
if the building is on campus but leased and/or operated by a private company it's likely group quarters. If the building is off campus…
This is great, thanks Todd! I was explaining to a colleague once that a lot of Halfway Houses are in regular neighborhoods and look just like any other single-family detached house from the outside, but they're a Group Quarters facility.
Personal opinion here: They are one of the safest types of neighbors you can have since a lot of the residents have curfews, are going through rehab, and generally have some type of supervision. No need to fear a Halfway House in your neighborhood.