The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH), conducted by The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI), is the largest representative study of homelessness in the United States since the mid-1990s.
It provides a comprehensive look at the causes and consequences of homelessness in California and recommends policy changes to shape programs in response.
This year’s report paints a clear picture on which of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness:
- The homeless population is aging, and minoritized groups are overrepresented.
- People experiencing homelessness in California are from California.
- Participants have been homeless for prolonged periods.
- Participants reported how stress and trauma over the life course preceded their experience with homelessness.
- Physical and sexual victimization throughout the life course was common.
- Participants reported high lifetime rates of mental health and substance use challenges.
#CAHomelessnessStudy