Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Homelessness Prevention Program Evaluation

Homelessness has been a problem in Los Angeles County for some time now. Historically, efforts to end homelessness have been directed toward the chronically homeless, those who have repeatedly experienced homelessness due to a disabling condition. While policymakers have addressed homelessness by focusing on those who are in more need, less funding is being directed toward prevention and early intervention. Not until five years ago, funding increased for homeless prevention services. In an effort to demonstrate the importance and impact of homeless prevention strategies, this graduate project conducted an evaluation on Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's (LAHSA) Homelessness Prevention Program, using a logic model framework, literature review of existing research on homelessness, and published outcome studies on homeless prevention practices. LAHSA is a leading agency in Los Angeles County committed to ending homelessness. The objective was to understand how the program components are supporting the improvement of housing outcomes among program participants. Results for this program evaluation determined that the program components selected were consistent with effective strategies evaluated by published outcome studies, and are supporting the improvement of housing outcomes among program participants.