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
Most people experiencing homelessness don’t regularly use drugs. Among those who do, 1 in 5 ppl seeking treatment couldn’t get it.
BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel @mkushel.bsky.social discusses #behavioralhealth & #homelessness on KCBS:
🎧 Interview: buff.ly/vy5mBch
▶️ BHHI Webinar: buff.ly/VpEO9pz
BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel @mkushel.bsky.social discusses #behavioralhealth & #homelessness on KCBS:
🎧 Interview: buff.ly/vy5mBch
▶️ BHHI Webinar: buff.ly/VpEO9pz
November 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Most people experiencing homelessness don’t regularly use drugs. Among those who do, 1 in 5 ppl seeking treatment couldn’t get it.
BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel @mkushel.bsky.social discusses #behavioralhealth & #homelessness on KCBS:
🎧 Interview: buff.ly/vy5mBch
▶️ BHHI Webinar: buff.ly/VpEO9pz
BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel @mkushel.bsky.social discusses #behavioralhealth & #homelessness on KCBS:
🎧 Interview: buff.ly/vy5mBch
▶️ BHHI Webinar: buff.ly/VpEO9pz
Ending the cycle between poor health and homelessness requires addressing both as part of the same crisis.
Solutions include: integrated #healthcare + housing, #streetmedicine, recuperative care, accessible housing.
Read the report → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
Join the webinar → buff.ly/vq1NGyT
🧵 6/6
Solutions include: integrated #healthcare + housing, #streetmedicine, recuperative care, accessible housing.
Read the report → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
Join the webinar → buff.ly/vq1NGyT
🧵 6/6
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Ending the cycle between poor health and homelessness requires addressing both as part of the same crisis.
Solutions include: integrated #healthcare + housing, #streetmedicine, recuperative care, accessible housing.
Read the report → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
Join the webinar → buff.ly/vq1NGyT
🧵 6/6
Solutions include: integrated #healthcare + housing, #streetmedicine, recuperative care, accessible housing.
Read the report → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
Join the webinar → buff.ly/vq1NGyT
🧵 6/6
Despite high rates of insurance, only half of Californians experiencing homelessness have a regular place to receive care, and few have a primary care provider.
Many visit emergency departments, which are easier to access but don't provide ongoing care.
Read → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#publichealth
🧵 5/6
Many visit emergency departments, which are easier to access but don't provide ongoing care.
Read → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#publichealth
🧵 5/6
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Despite high rates of insurance, only half of Californians experiencing homelessness have a regular place to receive care, and few have a primary care provider.
Many visit emergency departments, which are easier to access but don't provide ongoing care.
Read → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#publichealth
🧵 5/6
Many visit emergency departments, which are easier to access but don't provide ongoing care.
Read → buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#publichealth
🧵 5/6
Over one-third of Californians experiencing homelessness—and nearly half of those 50+—have difficulty with basic daily activities.
Nearly a quarter have difficulty walking across a room, making life without stable housing even harder.
buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#disability #aging
🧵 4/6
Nearly a quarter have difficulty walking across a room, making life without stable housing even harder.
buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#disability #aging
🧵 4/6
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Over one-third of Californians experiencing homelessness—and nearly half of those 50+—have difficulty with basic daily activities.
Nearly a quarter have difficulty walking across a room, making life without stable housing even harder.
buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#disability #aging
🧵 4/6
Nearly a quarter have difficulty walking across a room, making life without stable housing even harder.
buff.ly/XbhSIxw
#disability #aging
🧵 4/6
7 in 10 people experiencing homelessness in CA smoke #tobacco—6x the national rate. Smoking contributes substantially to high rates of chronic disease, respiratory illness & early death in this population.
10% are former smokers—reflecting the difficulty of quitting while homeless.
🧵 3/6
10% are former smokers—reflecting the difficulty of quitting while homeless.
🧵 3/6
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
7 in 10 people experiencing homelessness in CA smoke #tobacco—6x the national rate. Smoking contributes substantially to high rates of chronic disease, respiratory illness & early death in this population.
10% are former smokers—reflecting the difficulty of quitting while homeless.
🧵 3/6
10% are former smokers—reflecting the difficulty of quitting while homeless.
🧵 3/6
60% of Californians experiencing homelessness have at least one chronic health condition.
#Hypertension, chronic lung disease, and heart disease or stroke are most common. These conditions are extremely difficult to manage while homeless.
Learn more: buff.ly/9Ti11W6
#publichealth
🧵 2/6
#Hypertension, chronic lung disease, and heart disease or stroke are most common. These conditions are extremely difficult to manage while homeless.
Learn more: buff.ly/9Ti11W6
#publichealth
🧵 2/6
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
60% of Californians experiencing homelessness have at least one chronic health condition.
#Hypertension, chronic lung disease, and heart disease or stroke are most common. These conditions are extremely difficult to manage while homeless.
Learn more: buff.ly/9Ti11W6
#publichealth
🧵 2/6
#Hypertension, chronic lung disease, and heart disease or stroke are most common. These conditions are extremely difficult to manage while homeless.
Learn more: buff.ly/9Ti11W6
#publichealth
🧵 2/6
Ending homelessness requires centering the expertise of those who've lived it.
Recent work from current and former BHHI team members, Lived Expertise Board members, and NYU colleagues demonstrates how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
Recent work from current and former BHHI team members, Lived Expertise Board members, and NYU colleagues demonstrates how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
November 12, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Ending homelessness requires centering the expertise of those who've lived it.
Recent work from current and former BHHI team members, Lived Expertise Board members, and NYU colleagues demonstrates how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
Recent work from current and former BHHI team members, Lived Expertise Board members, and NYU colleagues demonstrates how collaboration between lived & academic experts leads to better solutions.
📄 Read: buff.ly/C3K5W8B
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
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
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:
The relationship between substance use and homelessness is bidirectional—42% of people with regular drug use started using regularly after becoming homeless, often due to stress, lack of safety, and the need to stay awake. 1 in 4 recently sought treatment, but couldn't access it.
buff.ly/d44NVtp
buff.ly/d44NVtp
October 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The relationship between substance use and homelessness is bidirectional—42% of people with regular drug use started using regularly after becoming homeless, often due to stress, lack of safety, and the need to stay awake. 1 in 4 recently sought treatment, but couldn't access it.
buff.ly/d44NVtp
buff.ly/d44NVtp
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
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
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
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
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
Without stable housing, everything is harder—seeing a doctor, working, staying connected—all take a back seat to survival.
Housing is the foundation that makes health, work, and community possible.
For some, housing is the full answer. For others, it’s not. But it’s where solutions begin for all.
Housing is the foundation that makes health, work, and community possible.
For some, housing is the full answer. For others, it’s not. But it’s where solutions begin for all.
September 19, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Without stable housing, everything is harder—seeing a doctor, working, staying connected—all take a back seat to survival.
Housing is the foundation that makes health, work, and community possible.
For some, housing is the full answer. For others, it’s not. But it’s where solutions begin for all.
Housing is the foundation that makes health, work, and community possible.
For some, housing is the full answer. For others, it’s not. But it’s where solutions begin for all.