Approximately 568,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2019, according to the HUD Point-in-Time Count. Ending homelessness is a public health issue as it increases one’s risk of experiencing mortality, co-occurring disorders, violence, mental health crises, and barriers to care. As the country navigates this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that negative health and economic outcomes associated with homelessness and housing instability have intensified. Since early 2020, millions of homeowners and renters have lost their jobs, faced economic hardships and are unable to afford their mortgage or rent. According to a report from the Aspen Institute, 30-40 million people in America were at risk of eviction in late 2020.

This panel featured Systems for Action investigators that research housing and homelessness through a unique, multi-sector lens focused on health equity. Panelists discuss their findings to better address homelessness and housing instability.

Panelists

• Hee Soun Jang, PhD, Associate Professor at University of North Texas
• Jesús N. Valero, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Utah
• Irene Vidyanti, PhD, Data Scientist, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Recording

Details:

Projects: Effectiveness of Homeless Service Networks in Coordinating Services during COVID-19 and Closing Gaps in Health and Social Services for Low-Income Pregnant Woman
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