UC San Diego will be unveiling a data hub that emphasizes exclusively on the issue of homelessness.
The move was confirmed this week by UCSD's Chancellor this week, a move that aims at serving as a non-partisan contributor in the community through research, education and policy.
The Homelessness Hub at UCSD is expected to be under the eye of the university's Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
And in addition, Philanthropists Phyllis and Dan Epstein and Hanna and Mark Gleiberman have each contributed up to $1 million to UC San Diego to kick-start this particular hub.
“Phyllis, Dan, Hanna and Mark share a common conviction that society’s biggest challenges require focused efforts and resources to solve,” UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla said in a statement. “The Homelessness Hub at UC San Diego has the potential to make a significant impact in understanding and addressing the factors that lead to homelessness.”
Dan Epstein, one of the donors mentioned above, said that the issue of homelessness is an on-going problem that needs to be addressed in San Diego, and says the general public should trust researchers to find the best solutions to resolve important issues such as this one.
“Homelessness has remained a long-term problem in San Diego, and we should turn to the best researchers we have to identify thoughtful solutions,” Dan Epstein said. “The University of California will play a constructive role in that regard.”
“This is about getting people not only a place to live but everything that goes along with it,” he added. “UC San Diego can identify what people need and how best to offer services, and then the real work begins.”
Mirle Rabinowitz Bussell, a UCSD professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, says that this hub will be addressing the most important questions that can help identify solutions on the matter.
“Imagine, for example, if we could optimize San Diego’s winter shelter network,” said Mirle Rabinowitz Bussell. “Where should we locate shelters? What services should be offered? For how long? For how many people? How can we link safe overnight parking to help prevent homelessness in the first place?
“Now, through the Homelessness Hub at UC San Diego, we have the opportunity to collaborate with nonprofit leaders and elected officials to make decisions that move us toward the goal of eliminating homelessness.”
