Abstract for: Experiencing Homelessness in California

Thirty percent of the nation’s people experiencing homelessness live in California. A comprehensive study, “Toward a New Understanding: The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness,” examined this issue. The present paper applied systems thinking and system dynamics to this study’s findings. Several simulations using a system dynamics model found policies to consider. Willingness to move into a shelter is a surprisingly high-leverage strategy, so authorities should encourage it. Rental assistance can be very powerful at preventing homelessness in the first place. Increases in housing costs lead to increases in people experiencing homelessness, and vice versa. Prevention of substance abuse and assistance at speeding up recovery are potent policies. The primary balancing loops for returning people experiencing homelessness to the general population are services for mental health, substance abuse, employment, and housing. Making life harder for people experiencing homelessness is not a high leverage approach; the meager benefits do not outweigh the humanitarian problems.