Have our unsheltered homeless neighbors been engaged and offered housing?

Over three-quarters of LA’s homeless residents are living unsheltered, but new research from the Homeless Research Data Collaborative found that although 90% of homeless survey respondents were interested in some form of housing, one-third reported no engagement with outreach services.

Researchers from UCLA, USC, and Akido Labs are using a first-of-its kind data platform to understand this question and others like it by engaging and learning from people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.

Leadership

Benjamin Henwood, PhD

bhenwood@usc.edu

Randall Kuhn, PhD

kuhn@ucla.edu

Karthik Murali, PhD

karthik@akidolabs.com

About Us

The Homeless Research Data Collaborative was launched by researchers from USC, UCLA, and Akido Labs to connect lived expertise, research, and data to better understand the stories and needs of people experiencing homelessness in our communities.

Our team designed a first-of-its-kind platform and worked with people with lived experience to build reciprocal relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, via monthly online surveys.

This approach allows us to understand the complex needs and daily lives of people whom our communities and systems have failed. By connecting directly with actual people, in a timely way, we can identify patterns, pinpoint barriers, and rapidly mobilize solutions.

PATHS Study Approach

Canvassed unsheltered hotspots with trusted staff to enroll people experiencing homelessness

Prospective participants received a text message linking to study information and a prescreening survey

If eligible, participants completed surveys in English or Spanish on a secure website accessed on a phone or computer

Upon completion, respondents were connected to a portal to receive an electronic gift card

PATHS Initial Report

Understanding Housing Needs

From late 2021 until July 2022, we have been asking asked participants in the study about their housing preferences. Evidence has shown that individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to accept housing and services—and remained housed long-term—when those supports are aligned to the individuals’ unique needs.

Which of these housing or shelter options would you be interested in receiving?

Group shelter

None of the above

10%

Shared living situation with own room

28%

Temporary stay in hotel/motel

51%

56%

Supportive housing

Out of 289 participants, 56% indicated that they would be interested in receiving supportive housing services.

Additional services that were of interest included temporary stay in hotel/motel (51%), shared living with a roommate (28%), other transitional living (23%), private room in a shelter with a shared bathroom (21%), safe camping (18%) and bridge housing (18%).

Only 2% were interested in congregate (group) shelter.

10% of participants indicated they were not interested in any housing services that were listed on the survey.