A National Research Agenda for Homelessness
Despite years of research, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the most effective ways to prevent and end homelessness. In late 2012, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness released a National Research Agenda. The 20-page document draws on existing research and studies in progress to propose areas for further investigation. The National Research Agenda acknowledges changes in policy and practice, such as a move away from shelter to rapid rehousing, and the impact of the Affordable Care Act.
Research and evaluation over the past several decades have documented the characteristics and service needs of people who are homeless. Although several evidence-based practices have been identified, some of this research is now out of date. For example, national estimates of the percentage of adults experiencing homelessness who have a history of foster care or juvenile justice involvement are nearly 20 years old.
New trends—such as an increase in households in doubled-up or shared living arrangements—require investigation. Also, gaps remain in our knowledge of how best to serve specific groups, such as veterans and youth. Finally, changes in how health care is delivered as a result of the Affordable Care Act will affect how services are provided to individuals and families that experience homelessness.
To identify priority topics for new research, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH, or the Council) reviewed over 200 studies on homelessness conducted between 1989 and 2011. The Council also reviewed more than 30 additional studies by USICH member agencies that are in various stages of implementation. These studies were mapped against the objectives and strategies in Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The resulting National Research Agenda, published in late 2012, proposes research in eight areas:
In many cases, existing studies point the way to future research needs. For example:
- Affordable and supportive housing
- Cost offsets/cost-effectiveness
- Homeless crisis response
- Homelessness prevalence and risk and protective factors
- Improving health, well-being, and stability
- Justice linkages
- Accessing mainstream benefits
- Pathways to employment
- Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of permanent supportive housing (PSH). However, there is still much to learn about the effectiveness of different PSH models for individuals and families with high service needs. These models include scattered-site, single-site, and mixed-use approaches. More information is also needed on the best housing approach for veterans who experience homelessness. In addition, studies could help identify how PSH developers overcome neighborhood opposition to their projects.
- A growing body of evidence seems to support the cost-effectiveness of PSH. The Council believes research to standardize methodologies will produce stronger, more reliable estimates of cost savings. In particular, it highlights the need to determine whether PSH is cost-effective for all residents, or only for those with the most extensive needs.
Trends seen by service providers and currently being researched suggest the need for further details. Examples include:
- Experience gained from the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program reveals that it is difficult to predict which households will actually become homeless. The National Research Agenda calls for a rigorous evaluation to determine how prevention programs can identify which households would become homeless without assistance. Research is also needed on homelessness prevention for veterans.
- Data from multiple sources suggest that more households entered into doubled-up or shared living arrangements during the recent economic downturn. The Council calls for research to identify the number and characteristics of households living in doubled-up situations. These studies could help pinpoint the relationship between these living arrangements and how they can lead to homelessness. The Council also notes the need to study the impact of being doubled-up on educational outcomes for children.
In some instances, laws and regulations may affect individuals at risk for or experiencing homelessness. For example:
- Many individuals become homeless upon separation from another service system—such as foster care or the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Others become homeless when they leave military service. Research can highlight the risk factors for homelessness among these groups and identify strategies to connect them to housing and services.
Finally, the Council notes that dedicated resources alone cannot prevent or end homelessness. More research is needed into the role of mainstream resources, including the following:
- The Council suggests research into the effect of Public Housing Authority screening and termination policies on homelessness. It also calls for a cost-benefit analysis of local laws that serve to criminalize homelessness. These include laws that make it illegal to sleep, sit, or store personal belongings in public spaces. Anti-loitering and open container laws also affect people who are homeless.
The specific research topics highlighted in the National Research Agenda are illustrative but not exhaustive, the Council notes. It also points to the need for research at both the local and national levels. The Council encourages cities and counties across the country to partner with local universities and other interested organizations to research topics of importance to their communities. These groups are encouraged to publicize local solutions so that other communities may benefit.
- Many individuals who are homeless are eligible for, but not receiving, mainstream benefits. The Affordable Care Act will expand eligibility for Medicaid in 2014, but research is needed to identify barriers that keep people who are homeless from accessing this important resource. In addition, studies could identify successful strategies to connect individuals to Medicaid, Social Security income benefits, and workforce assistance.
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