Our Research

Much of the Center’s research focuses on housing interventions that use a housing first approach. This includes several large-scale studies that attempt to understand how housing interventions can serve as a social determination of health. Our research also includes a focus on interventions and is committed to better understanding how racism and inequality drives homelessness and how best to intervene.

Our studies focused on PSH include:

• A comparative effectiveness study of place-based versus scatter-site permanent supportive housing (PSH) on patient-centered and COVID-19 related outcomes. Funded by PCORI, in collaboration with UCLA.

• A study of the impact of transitioning from homelessness to PSH on health-related outcomes for adults. Funded by NIDA.

• A study that compares the health behaviors of young adults who accessed housing versus those who remained homeless. Funded by NIMH.

• A study to understand accelerated aging among older adults living in PSH. Funded by NIA.

• Studies that attempt to better understand the pathways in and out of homelessness and housing among unsheltered adults in general - funded by the Hilton Foundation, in collaboration with UCLA and Akido Labs - and the veteran population in particular - funded by the Epstein Family Foundation, in collaboration with the Rand Corporation.

Our studies focused on interventions include: 

• A randomized control trial of a fall prevention program for older adults living in PSH. Funded by SC CTSI, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University.

• Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for HIV prevention among homeless youth through influence maximization using social network algorithms. In collaboration with the USC Center for AI in Society.

• The use of telemental health services in PSH.  Funded by the Gehr Center.

• The general use of technology to improve the lives of PSH tenants. Funded by NSF, in collaboration with California State University, Fullerton.

Our studies focused on racism and inequality include:

• A randomized control trial of social support and basic income for people experiencing homelessness. Funded by Google.org, in collaboration with Miracle Messages.

• Reducing racial bias in homelessness services and housing intake. In collaboration with the USC Center for AI in Society.