Los Angeles County Uses Innovative Analytic Approach to Identify and Serve Individuals at Risk of Homelessness

Los Angeles, CA – December 16, 2019 - Using data from seven Los Angeles County agencies, the UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab and the California Policy Lab have developed predictive models that are able to identify Angelenos who are 27 times more likely to become homeless than the average County client, and 48 times more likely to experience homelessness for the first time.

The County’s Homelessness Prevention Action Plan, which was submitted to the LA County Board of Supervisors on December 16th, recommends the County use these models to help intervene with adults at high risk of homelessness before they reach a crisis.

The UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab and California Policy Lab will help the County pilot and deploy a multi-disciplinary Homelessness Prevention Unit to County clients at highest risk of homelessness. Representatives from the Department of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, Department of Social Services, and the criminal justice system will proactively conduct outreach to clients at highest risk of homelessness and problem solve around each individual’s needs. The Inclusive Economy Lab and California Policy Lab will rigorously evaluate these efforts to help grow the evidence base on what works in preventing homelessness.