Homelessness and COVID-19, Exploring Long Term Solutions Over Short Term Stability
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Project description
California has the highest homeless population out of any state in the US. Currently, community organizations and local health department are focusing on interventions that alleviate day to day problems. Despite this, there is a lack of focus on interventions that promote long term stability, allowing the homeless to re-entry society through the workforce and establish financial independence. Andrew gathered data by conducting over 60 semi-scripted interviews with various unhoused clients at his local food bank, which took over two years. He came to the conclusion that a more humanitarian, empathetic approach to alleviate the issue of homelessness is necessary, as well as increased communication with local agencies to facilitate change.
Project outcome
Andrew is presenting at the 8th International Conference of Public Health (ICOPH). Additionally, Andrew was accepted by the MDPI as a part of a special issue in the Humanities journal.
Mentor review
Ian helped me with a variety of my personal and professional concerns. Apart from providing amazing guidance as well as a wealth of knowledge concerning my research project, he gave me invaluable advice for college admissions, being a faculty member of a prominent university himself. He was especially knowledgeable about the research process and was supportive of my entire Polygence experience.