A new report from the California Policy Lab at UCLA shows promising early results from LA County’s Homelessness Prevention Unit (HPU). The report found that people in the HPU program were 71% less likely to enter a homeless shelter or have contact with street outreach teams within 18 months, compared to similar high-risk people who didn’t enroll.
The HPU uses a first-of-its-kind predictive model, developed by the California Policy Lab, to identify LA County residents most at risk of homelessness and to connect them with intensive, tailored support, including financial assistance. Launched in 2021, the HPU program is a partnership between the California Policy Lab, the LA County Department of Health Services, and the LA County Chief Information Office.
“This model helps us reach people before they experience a crisis,” said Dana Vanderford, Associate Director of Homelessness Prevention for the LA County Department of Health Services. “It’s a smart, effective, and compassionate way to prevent homelessness.”
Access the full report and read more at California Policy Lab’s website.
