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Making the Case for Proactive Strategies to Alleviate Homelessness: A Systems Approach

Author

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  • Sara Nourazari

    (Health Care Administration Department, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA)

  • Kristina Lovato

    (School of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA)

  • Suzie S. Weng

    (School of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA)

Abstract

Homelessness is a complex public health issue that affects some of the most vulnerable populations in the United States. This study takes a holistic approach to better understand and analyze the multiple factors and their interconnections that contribute to the complexity of this problem. A systems analysis was conducted by utilizing the system dynamics method, which allows analyzing and comparing trends and behavior of system outcomes for different “what if” scenarios, interventions, and policy implications. Three leverage points were identified in this study to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the current strategies to address homelessness: (1) increasing the number of affordable permanent housing units, (2) increasing the utilization of transitional housing units or shelters by the individuals experiencing homelessness, and (3) providing preventative services to at-risk populations before the onset of homelessness. Our results demonstrate that the most effective strategy is an amalgam of the solutions identified by these three leverage points. In addition, a policy analysis was conducted to study and estimate the effectiveness of various potential scenarios. This research provides data-driven and model-based insights into how decision-makers can utilize a systems approach to analyze new policy implications and create effective solutions to homelessness.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Nourazari & Kristina Lovato & Suzie S. Weng, 2021. "Making the Case for Proactive Strategies to Alleviate Homelessness: A Systems Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:526-:d:477919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Gaetz, 2020. "Making the Prevention of Homelessness a Priority: The Role of Social Innovation," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 79(2), pages 353-381, March.
    2. Ivis García & Keuntae Kim, 2020. "“ I Felt Safe ”: The Role of the Rapid Rehousing Program in Supporting the Security of Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Corinth, Kevin, 2017. "The impact of permanent supportive housing on homeless populations," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 69-84.
    4. Huang, Donna & Spinney, Angela & Beer, Andrew & MacKenzie, David & McNelis, Sean & Meltzer, Ariella & Muir, Kristy & Peters, Andrew & valentine, kylie, 2020. "Ending homelessness in Australia: A redesigned homelessness service system," SocArXiv 5p7dt, Center for Open Science.
    5. Goodman, Sarena & Messeri, Peter & O’Flaherty, Brendan, 2014. "Reprint of “How effective homelessness prevention impacts the length of shelter spells”," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 101-108.
    6. Brumley, Benjamin & Fantuzzo, John & Perlman, Staci & Zager, Margaret L., 2015. "The unique relations between early homelessness and educational well-being: An empirical test of the Continuum of Risk Hypothesis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 31-37.
    7. Kushel, M.B. & Perry, S. & Bangsberg, D. & Clark, R. & Moss, A.R., 2002. "Emergency department use among the homeless and marginally housed: Results from a community-based study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 778-784.
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    Cited by:

    1. Iria Noa de la Fuente-Roldán & Ana Isabel Corchado-Castillo & Ana Dorado-Barbé, 2023. "Mental Health and Homelessness in the Community of Madrid (Spain): The Impact of Discrimination and Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Kate Frazer & Thilo Kroll, 2022. "Understanding and Tackling the Complex Challenges of Homelessness and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-3, March.
    3. Won-Chul Bing, 2021. "Sociopolitical Approach to the Launch History of the KBO League: Application of Complex System Paradigm," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-15, May.

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