Our Purpose

The Periodic Assessment of Trajectories of Housing, Homelessness, and Health Study (PATHS) provides an innovative and adaptable platform for real-time monitoring of the health, housing, and service needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County. Through continuous, in-depth data collection via mobile phone surveys, PATHS offers valuable insights into the dynamic challenges faced by this population. By addressing critical gaps in longitudinal research, PATHS has the potential to drive more informed policy decisions and interventions that improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Our Methodology

  1. Recruit a cohort of unsheltered individuals from Los Angeles County's Homeless Count Demographic Survey, an annual representative survey of the region’s unsheltered population covering over 500 census tracts.

  2. Use a web-based survey platform and electronic gift card incentives for participation, including screening, baseline, monthly, and biannual follow-up surveys.

  3. Collect data on health, housing, and social outcomes through trauma-informed, equity-sensitive surveys designed for diverse literacy levels, with a user-friendly interface and buffers for sensitive topics.

  4. Regularly update surveys to address emerging issues like rehousing, policing, and healthcare changes affecting LA’s unsheltered population.