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Using AI to Predict and Prevent Homelessness in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles County, a unique pilot program is using predictive analytics to help prevent homelessness. Under the program, researchers from the California Policy Lab (CPL) use anonymized data on almost 100,000 people who use health and mental health services provided eight different county agencies to develop computer models that identify clients of County services who are at high risk of homelessness. Officials at the county’s Health Services or Mental Health Departments then work to connect those individuals with programs and/or resources that can address their needs and, in doing so, help ensure that they do not experience homelessness. CPL is also working with county officials to assess the efficacy of this novel approach, which is based on a 2019 CPL report. Co-sponsored by the Initiative on Health and Homelessness at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Joint Center on Housing Studies, the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab, and the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative.