UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative
@ucsfbhhi.bsky.social
We conduct groundbreaking research to help prevent & end homelessness. Follow us for key insights and evidence-based solutions.
📪 Newsletter: bit.ly/BHHInews
🔗 LinkedIn: bit.ly/BHHILinkedIn
🖥️ Web: homelessness.ucsf.edu
📪 Newsletter: bit.ly/BHHInews
🔗 LinkedIn: bit.ly/BHHILinkedIn
🖥️ Web: homelessness.ucsf.edu
Pinned
📢 New report: Homelessness among Latine Californians is rising, driven by high housing costs, low wages, and systemic anti-Latine racism.
Our latest analysis highlights how structural forces push people into homelessness and lays out targeted, evidence-based solutions.
buff.ly/Mme8B4U (1/5)
Our latest analysis highlights how structural forces push people into homelessness and lays out targeted, evidence-based solutions.
buff.ly/Mme8B4U (1/5)
Solving homelessness effectively requires addressing health—not as a separate challenge, but as a deeply connected part of the same crisis.
Join us Dec 4 for a discussion of our upcoming health report and research-backed recommendations for a coordinated response.
📅 12–1 PM PT
🔗 buff.ly/gSPDfGF
Join us Dec 4 for a discussion of our upcoming health report and research-backed recommendations for a coordinated response.
📅 12–1 PM PT
🔗 buff.ly/gSPDfGF
November 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Solving homelessness effectively requires addressing health—not as a separate challenge, but as a deeply connected part of the same crisis.
Join us Dec 4 for a discussion of our upcoming health report and research-backed recommendations for a coordinated response.
📅 12–1 PM PT
🔗 buff.ly/gSPDfGF
Join us Dec 4 for a discussion of our upcoming health report and research-backed recommendations for a coordinated response.
📅 12–1 PM PT
🔗 buff.ly/gSPDfGF
Quitting tobacco saves lives—but it’s harder without stable housing or support.
Research led by Dr. Maya Vijayaraghavan shows that when cessation programs meet people where they are, progress is possible.
Explore the research:
➡️ buff.ly/lRgrqP9
#LungCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth
Research led by Dr. Maya Vijayaraghavan shows that when cessation programs meet people where they are, progress is possible.
Explore the research:
➡️ buff.ly/lRgrqP9
#LungCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth
November 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Quitting tobacco saves lives—but it’s harder without stable housing or support.
Research led by Dr. Maya Vijayaraghavan shows that when cessation programs meet people where they are, progress is possible.
Explore the research:
➡️ buff.ly/lRgrqP9
#LungCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth
Research led by Dr. Maya Vijayaraghavan shows that when cessation programs meet people where they are, progress is possible.
Explore the research:
➡️ buff.ly/lRgrqP9
#LungCancerAwarenessMonth #PublicHealth
Why are so many people being pushed into homelessness?
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
NLIHC (@nlihc.org)
#FOTW: In 18 States, Renters Must Earn More Than $30 an Hour to Afford A Two-Bedroom Apartment at Fair Market Rent
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Why are so many people being pushed into homelessness?
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
When work isn’t secure, housing isn’t either.
BHHI research shows how unstable income, lack of protections, and high costs leave many gig workers one paycheck away from homelessness.
Learn more: buff.ly/frwz8W6
BHHI research shows how unstable income, lack of protections, and high costs leave many gig workers one paycheck away from homelessness.
Learn more: buff.ly/frwz8W6
November 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
When work isn’t secure, housing isn’t either.
BHHI research shows how unstable income, lack of protections, and high costs leave many gig workers one paycheck away from homelessness.
Learn more: buff.ly/frwz8W6
BHHI research shows how unstable income, lack of protections, and high costs leave many gig workers one paycheck away from homelessness.
Learn more: buff.ly/frwz8W6
For some caregivers, losing a client means losing both income and housing.
Recent BHHI research shows how home health workers—often caring for relatives—can become homeless when a client dies or enters institutional care.
Read more: buff.ly/R0u6J8K
#CaregiverAwarenessMonth
Recent BHHI research shows how home health workers—often caring for relatives—can become homeless when a client dies or enters institutional care.
Read more: buff.ly/R0u6J8K
#CaregiverAwarenessMonth
November 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
For some caregivers, losing a client means losing both income and housing.
Recent BHHI research shows how home health workers—often caring for relatives—can become homeless when a client dies or enters institutional care.
Read more: buff.ly/R0u6J8K
#CaregiverAwarenessMonth
Recent BHHI research shows how home health workers—often caring for relatives—can become homeless when a client dies or enters institutional care.
Read more: buff.ly/R0u6J8K
#CaregiverAwarenessMonth
ICMYI:
"Americans want there to be no homelessness. And this is...a formula to worsen homelessness."
—BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel says of efforts to expand involuntary detentions & withdraw funding from communities that don't comply.
Housing + services is cheaper and proven effective.
"Americans want there to be no homelessness. And this is...a formula to worsen homelessness."
—BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel says of efforts to expand involuntary detentions & withdraw funding from communities that don't comply.
Housing + services is cheaper and proven effective.
Drastic changes coming to homeless services, new Trump order promises
Trump wants to lock up people with drug or mental health challenges. Advocates say lack of housing is the real problem.
buff.ly
October 31, 2025 at 3:00 AM
ICMYI:
"Americans want there to be no homelessness. And this is...a formula to worsen homelessness."
—BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel says of efforts to expand involuntary detentions & withdraw funding from communities that don't comply.
Housing + services is cheaper and proven effective.
"Americans want there to be no homelessness. And this is...a formula to worsen homelessness."
—BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel says of efforts to expand involuntary detentions & withdraw funding from communities that don't comply.
Housing + services is cheaper and proven effective.
People experiencing homelessness face high rates of chronic illness, disability, and barriers to care.
These challenges make it harder to stay housed. Once homeless, managing health conditions becomes even more difficult.
Join us Dec. 4 to explore data and coordinated solutions.
buff.ly/Yhxv18e
These challenges make it harder to stay housed. Once homeless, managing health conditions becomes even more difficult.
Join us Dec. 4 to explore data and coordinated solutions.
buff.ly/Yhxv18e
October 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
People experiencing homelessness face high rates of chronic illness, disability, and barriers to care.
These challenges make it harder to stay housed. Once homeless, managing health conditions becomes even more difficult.
Join us Dec. 4 to explore data and coordinated solutions.
buff.ly/Yhxv18e
These challenges make it harder to stay housed. Once homeless, managing health conditions becomes even more difficult.
Join us Dec. 4 to explore data and coordinated solutions.
buff.ly/Yhxv18e
Can work alone keep people housed?
BHHI research finds that job loss, unstable work (such as #gigwork), and #caregiver roles tied to housing leave many vulnerable to homelessness.
This highlights the need for stronger worker protections and coordinated prevention efforts.
Learn more:
BHHI research finds that job loss, unstable work (such as #gigwork), and #caregiver roles tied to housing leave many vulnerable to homelessness.
This highlights the need for stronger worker protections and coordinated prevention efforts.
Learn more:
October 26, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Can work alone keep people housed?
BHHI research finds that job loss, unstable work (such as #gigwork), and #caregiver roles tied to housing leave many vulnerable to homelessness.
This highlights the need for stronger worker protections and coordinated prevention efforts.
Learn more:
BHHI research finds that job loss, unstable work (such as #gigwork), and #caregiver roles tied to housing leave many vulnerable to homelessness.
This highlights the need for stronger worker protections and coordinated prevention efforts.
Learn more:
It's difficult for people with untreated substance use disorders to stay in shelters because addiction doesn't allow you to "stop on a dime,” says Dr. Margot Kushel.
“It looks like they’re refusing shelter", when, in fact, “they’re telling you ‘that doesn’t meet my needs.’”
buff.ly/PboRGBm
“It looks like they’re refusing shelter", when, in fact, “they’re telling you ‘that doesn’t meet my needs.’”
buff.ly/PboRGBm
Inside SF’s shelter strategy shift
What does the mayor mean by the “right beds?”
buff.ly
October 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
It's difficult for people with untreated substance use disorders to stay in shelters because addiction doesn't allow you to "stop on a dime,” says Dr. Margot Kushel.
“It looks like they’re refusing shelter", when, in fact, “they’re telling you ‘that doesn’t meet my needs.’”
buff.ly/PboRGBm
“It looks like they’re refusing shelter", when, in fact, “they’re telling you ‘that doesn’t meet my needs.’”
buff.ly/PboRGBm
ICYMI: CA has just 24 affordable homes per 100 extremely low-income renters—a shortfall of nearly 1M.
📊 In our statewide study, nearly everyone said costs were a top reason they couldn't get back into a home.
You can’t solve homelessness without solving housing affordability.
nlihc.org/gap
📊 In our statewide study, nearly everyone said costs were a top reason they couldn't get back into a home.
You can’t solve homelessness without solving housing affordability.
nlihc.org/gap
The GAP
The U.S. has a shortage of more than 7.1 million rental homes affordable and available to extremely low-income renter households. Find out more. #TheGap25
nlihc.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:02 AM
ICYMI: CA has just 24 affordable homes per 100 extremely low-income renters—a shortfall of nearly 1M.
📊 In our statewide study, nearly everyone said costs were a top reason they couldn't get back into a home.
You can’t solve homelessness without solving housing affordability.
nlihc.org/gap
📊 In our statewide study, nearly everyone said costs were a top reason they couldn't get back into a home.
You can’t solve homelessness without solving housing affordability.
nlihc.org/gap
When enforcement enters shelters, it tells people they aren’t safe asking for help.
When shelters don’t feel safe, people stay outside longer— increasing risks to their health and safety and deepening the homelessness crisis.
To end homelessness, we have to replace fear with trust and connection.
When shelters don’t feel safe, people stay outside longer— increasing risks to their health and safety and deepening the homelessness crisis.
To end homelessness, we have to replace fear with trust and connection.
October 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
When enforcement enters shelters, it tells people they aren’t safe asking for help.
When shelters don’t feel safe, people stay outside longer— increasing risks to their health and safety and deepening the homelessness crisis.
To end homelessness, we have to replace fear with trust and connection.
When shelters don’t feel safe, people stay outside longer— increasing risks to their health and safety and deepening the homelessness crisis.
To end homelessness, we have to replace fear with trust and connection.
When looking at pathways to treatment, people who used drugs and recently used safe syringe programs are more likely to engage in substance use treatment, while those who had touchpoints with the criminal legal system were not.
A new UCSF study by @suenlw.bsky.social et al examines:
buff.ly/T9brUFq
A new UCSF study by @suenlw.bsky.social et al examines:
buff.ly/T9brUFq
October 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
When looking at pathways to treatment, people who used drugs and recently used safe syringe programs are more likely to engage in substance use treatment, while those who had touchpoints with the criminal legal system were not.
A new UCSF study by @suenlw.bsky.social et al examines:
buff.ly/T9brUFq
A new UCSF study by @suenlw.bsky.social et al examines:
buff.ly/T9brUFq
Robust data show 85%+ of people with serious mental illness (with or without substance use) thrive in supportive housing with the right services. As policy debates shift, it’s critical to stay focused on what works: housing + voluntary services.
Learn more: buff.ly/Gyl3RRL
#HousingFirst
Learn more: buff.ly/Gyl3RRL
#HousingFirst
October 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Robust data show 85%+ of people with serious mental illness (with or without substance use) thrive in supportive housing with the right services. As policy debates shift, it’s critical to stay focused on what works: housing + voluntary services.
Learn more: buff.ly/Gyl3RRL
#HousingFirst
Learn more: buff.ly/Gyl3RRL
#HousingFirst
One reason progress on homelessness feels slow: we spend on things that don't work.
When viewed side-by-side, investing in evidence-based homeless services is far more effective than quick "fixes" like arrests & fines.
Recent @naehomelessness.bsky.social analysis compares the two approaches.
When viewed side-by-side, investing in evidence-based homeless services is far more effective than quick "fixes" like arrests & fines.
Recent @naehomelessness.bsky.social analysis compares the two approaches.
Homelessness Reaches the Supreme Court: As It Weighs One Approach, A Better One Waits in the Wings
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.
buff.ly
October 18, 2025 at 10:01 PM
One reason progress on homelessness feels slow: we spend on things that don't work.
When viewed side-by-side, investing in evidence-based homeless services is far more effective than quick "fixes" like arrests & fines.
Recent @naehomelessness.bsky.social analysis compares the two approaches.
When viewed side-by-side, investing in evidence-based homeless services is far more effective than quick "fixes" like arrests & fines.
Recent @naehomelessness.bsky.social analysis compares the two approaches.
Living outside harms people's health and safety, but pushing people around without a way back into housing creates more problems than it solves.
There are better ways to navigate urgent encampment issues while advancing long-term solutions to homelessness.
➡️ Our guide can help: buff.ly/xLSAvSj
There are better ways to navigate urgent encampment issues while advancing long-term solutions to homelessness.
➡️ Our guide can help: buff.ly/xLSAvSj
October 17, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Living outside harms people's health and safety, but pushing people around without a way back into housing creates more problems than it solves.
There are better ways to navigate urgent encampment issues while advancing long-term solutions to homelessness.
➡️ Our guide can help: buff.ly/xLSAvSj
There are better ways to navigate urgent encampment issues while advancing long-term solutions to homelessness.
➡️ Our guide can help: buff.ly/xLSAvSj
People are #homeless because they can’t afford housing. Sweeps and arrests won’t change that—they just move people around.
What works?
🏠 Housing
🤝 Accessible health + social services
It’s not fast. It’s not simple. But if we fund what works, we can end homelessness.
Learn how: buff.ly/DYrADS1
What works?
🏠 Housing
🤝 Accessible health + social services
It’s not fast. It’s not simple. But if we fund what works, we can end homelessness.
Learn how: buff.ly/DYrADS1
October 16, 2025 at 2:00 AM
People are #homeless because they can’t afford housing. Sweeps and arrests won’t change that—they just move people around.
What works?
🏠 Housing
🤝 Accessible health + social services
It’s not fast. It’s not simple. But if we fund what works, we can end homelessness.
Learn how: buff.ly/DYrADS1
What works?
🏠 Housing
🤝 Accessible health + social services
It’s not fast. It’s not simple. But if we fund what works, we can end homelessness.
Learn how: buff.ly/DYrADS1
"Incarcerating the people sleeping outside...in the U.S. would take nearly $18 billion per year."
"For...half that...we could house the 84% of people who experience homelessness but receive no housing...because the system is chronically underfunded."
-Margot Kushel/Samantha Batko.
buff.ly/o0MYTuz
"For...half that...we could house the 84% of people who experience homelessness but receive no housing...because the system is chronically underfunded."
-Margot Kushel/Samantha Batko.
buff.ly/o0MYTuz
buff.ly
October 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM
"Incarcerating the people sleeping outside...in the U.S. would take nearly $18 billion per year."
"For...half that...we could house the 84% of people who experience homelessness but receive no housing...because the system is chronically underfunded."
-Margot Kushel/Samantha Batko.
buff.ly/o0MYTuz
"For...half that...we could house the 84% of people who experience homelessness but receive no housing...because the system is chronically underfunded."
-Margot Kushel/Samantha Batko.
buff.ly/o0MYTuz
"Once they had a door they could lock & a place where they felt safe, they started showing up for medical appointments, reestablishing relationships & looking for work. They became, in every sense, good neighbors," says Aaron Estabrook of vets served by HF programs—now under threat.
buff.ly
October 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Once they had a door they could lock & a place where they felt safe, they started showing up for medical appointments, reestablishing relationships & looking for work. They became, in every sense, good neighbors," says Aaron Estabrook of vets served by HF programs—now under threat.
Ending homelessness requires centering the expertise of those who've lived it.
New work from BHHI's Kara Young Ponder, Robynne Rose-Haymer, DeForrest Hancock, Margot Kushel & colleagues highlights how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
New work from BHHI's Kara Young Ponder, Robynne Rose-Haymer, DeForrest Hancock, Margot Kushel & colleagues highlights how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
October 13, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Ending homelessness requires centering the expertise of those who've lived it.
New work from BHHI's Kara Young Ponder, Robynne Rose-Haymer, DeForrest Hancock, Margot Kushel & colleagues highlights how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
New work from BHHI's Kara Young Ponder, Robynne Rose-Haymer, DeForrest Hancock, Margot Kushel & colleagues highlights how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
It’s #WorldHomelessnessDay. Let’s bust some myths:
❌ Most ppl aren’t “from somewhere else” — 9 in 10 lost housing locally
❌ Only 37% used drugs regularly in past 6 months, many starting after losing housing
❌ Jobs alone don’t cover today’s rents
Explore the evidence & solutions: buff.ly/ej723gp
❌ Most ppl aren’t “from somewhere else” — 9 in 10 lost housing locally
❌ Only 37% used drugs regularly in past 6 months, many starting after losing housing
❌ Jobs alone don’t cover today’s rents
Explore the evidence & solutions: buff.ly/ej723gp
October 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
It’s #WorldHomelessnessDay. Let’s bust some myths:
❌ Most ppl aren’t “from somewhere else” — 9 in 10 lost housing locally
❌ Only 37% used drugs regularly in past 6 months, many starting after losing housing
❌ Jobs alone don’t cover today’s rents
Explore the evidence & solutions: buff.ly/ej723gp
❌ Most ppl aren’t “from somewhere else” — 9 in 10 lost housing locally
❌ Only 37% used drugs regularly in past 6 months, many starting after losing housing
❌ Jobs alone don’t cover today’s rents
Explore the evidence & solutions: buff.ly/ej723gp
How can communities better support people experiencing homelessness with complex behavioral health needs?
Our recent webinar and report have answers.
Now streaming: buff.ly/WcvMUco
#BehavioralHealth #HousingFirst #WorldMentalHealthDay
Our recent webinar and report have answers.
Now streaming: buff.ly/WcvMUco
#BehavioralHealth #HousingFirst #WorldMentalHealthDay
Webinar: Behavioral Health & Homelessness: Findings from CASPEH | Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative
Homelessness and behavioral health issues (mental health and substance use) are intertwined. The UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative held a webinar about this complex bidirectional…
buff.ly
October 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
How can communities better support people experiencing homelessness with complex behavioral health needs?
Our recent webinar and report have answers.
Now streaming: buff.ly/WcvMUco
#BehavioralHealth #HousingFirst #WorldMentalHealthDay
Our recent webinar and report have answers.
Now streaming: buff.ly/WcvMUco
#BehavioralHealth #HousingFirst #WorldMentalHealthDay
When ageism meets housing injustice, older adults lose twice: denied work opportunities, then turned away from shelters that can’t meet their needs.
On #AgeismDiscriminationDay, we must create systems where everyone can age in safety and stability.
Learn more: buff.ly/yyTcph3
On #AgeismDiscriminationDay, we must create systems where everyone can age in safety and stability.
Learn more: buff.ly/yyTcph3
October 10, 2025 at 2:01 AM
When ageism meets housing injustice, older adults lose twice: denied work opportunities, then turned away from shelters that can’t meet their needs.
On #AgeismDiscriminationDay, we must create systems where everyone can age in safety and stability.
Learn more: buff.ly/yyTcph3
On #AgeismDiscriminationDay, we must create systems where everyone can age in safety and stability.
Learn more: buff.ly/yyTcph3
"The evidence is clear: when we disinvest in basic supports, people suffer. The proposed cuts will deepen poverty and drive more people into homelessness and hunger."
Read BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel's full statement on the potential impact of proposed federal funding cuts: buff.ly/c57VPRg
Read BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel's full statement on the potential impact of proposed federal funding cuts: buff.ly/c57VPRg
October 9, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"The evidence is clear: when we disinvest in basic supports, people suffer. The proposed cuts will deepen poverty and drive more people into homelessness and hunger."
Read BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel's full statement on the potential impact of proposed federal funding cuts: buff.ly/c57VPRg
Read BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel's full statement on the potential impact of proposed federal funding cuts: buff.ly/c57VPRg
Communities across California are making progress toward ending homelessness.
Federal cuts to permanent housing threaten to undo that progress and are likely to push people back onto the street.
➡️ We can solve homelessness by continuing to fund what works.
Federal cuts to permanent housing threaten to undo that progress and are likely to push people back onto the street.
➡️ We can solve homelessness by continuing to fund what works.
California braces for ‘devastating’ expected cuts to federal homeless housing funds
Thousands of Californians could return to homelessness as the feds reportedly plan to disinvest from permanent housing.
buff.ly
October 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Communities across California are making progress toward ending homelessness.
Federal cuts to permanent housing threaten to undo that progress and are likely to push people back onto the street.
➡️ We can solve homelessness by continuing to fund what works.
Federal cuts to permanent housing threaten to undo that progress and are likely to push people back onto the street.
➡️ We can solve homelessness by continuing to fund what works.
What does it take for domestic violence survivors to find safety?
Our research shows that once homeless:
➡️ 95% of survivors can’t afford housing
➡️ Violence continues & many are found by abusers
Safe, stable housing lets survivors leave—and helps them stay safe.
buff.ly/wHS8Yzn
#DVAM2025
Our research shows that once homeless:
➡️ 95% of survivors can’t afford housing
➡️ Violence continues & many are found by abusers
Safe, stable housing lets survivors leave—and helps them stay safe.
buff.ly/wHS8Yzn
#DVAM2025
October 1, 2025 at 7:01 PM
What does it take for domestic violence survivors to find safety?
Our research shows that once homeless:
➡️ 95% of survivors can’t afford housing
➡️ Violence continues & many are found by abusers
Safe, stable housing lets survivors leave—and helps them stay safe.
buff.ly/wHS8Yzn
#DVAM2025
Our research shows that once homeless:
➡️ 95% of survivors can’t afford housing
➡️ Violence continues & many are found by abusers
Safe, stable housing lets survivors leave—and helps them stay safe.
buff.ly/wHS8Yzn
#DVAM2025