The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a data analytics policy on Tuesday that can help connect county employees connect unsheltered people to services, and evaluate whether a person is at-risk of homelessness.
Board Chairman Nathan Fletcher proposed the comprehensive integrated data system, and the creation of a homeless prevention unit within the Office of Homelessness Solutions to streamline outreach to those in need.
“Developing this tool will keep people from becoming homeless,” Fletcher said. “We will continue to tackle the crisis on our streets, but we must invest in preventative actions like this one that stop people from becoming unhoused. This new technology will do it."
According to Fletcher’s office, this approach builds on the implementation of a similar research-backed predictive model implemented in Los Angeles County, which has found a way to predict who is at the highest risk of homelessness, often before an individual recognizes their vulnerability.
“This program is not intended to replace any existing program or funding model, but rather to streamline and predict who might most need support to prevent homelessness,” a county board letter reads.
Helen Robbins-Meyer, county chief administrative officer, will have 180 days to develop an analytics plan, which will also need board approval.
To learn more about the policy, read here.
