Abstract for: The Effect of Food, Housing and Skills Interventions on Individual Life Trajectories

The Haven is a charitable organization providing food, housing, counseling, and life skill support for people in need. In this paper we develop a simple model of an individual’s life trajectory that can be used to understand how Haven interventions impact individuals. The model is intended as an educational and explanatory vehicle for community members and donors to the Haven. By providing simple controls that turn interventions on and off, the model and its associated interface, allow people to see how the actions the Haven take influence the life situations of its clients. This is ongoing work that will ultimately be provided to the Haven as a tool for education and donor development.