Homelessness Prevention in Los Angeles County

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Homelessness Prevention Unit (HPU) is a proactive, data-driven program launched in January 2021 to identify individuals in Los Angeles County who are at high risk of becoming homeless and to help them stabilize their housing and improve their overall health. Clients are identified through predictive modeling based on their use of County services. Once the clients are identified, they work with HPU staff for several months to get them the services they need to stay healthy and to stay housed. The program provides flexible financial assistance, including rent, utility payments, vehicle repair and debt resolution. Participants are also linked to County health and mental health services, substance use treatment, benefits advocacy, legal aid, employment and education. In May 2022, the program expanded to also serve families. Since its inception, the program has served 350 individuals or households. 88% of households retained housing or moved to other permanent housing.