Innovation in homelessness prevention
A new model connecting people facing homelessness with crucial housing support at an unexpected touchpoint: self-storage sites.
USC Launched 2023
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Partners
A research question about where people find support sparked a pilot that’s now scaling to L.A.
This pilot was always meant to live beyond Phoenix. From the start, we designed it with growth in mind—working with storage staff, housing experts, and social scientists to keep the model low-lift and flexible enough to work in small towns and major cities. Now that we’ve gotten early promising results from our 10 test sites, we’re laying the groundwork to expand to Los Angeles—the epicenter of the nation’s homelessness crisis.
No city has ever engaged this industry to help provide support resources at this scale. We’re breaking new ground—proving how even simple, cost-effective strategies can make a big difference. In time, this approach can help cities nationwide reach millions of people before they fall into homelessness.
Meet the project team
John Fanning
Project Manager
Research team
Partners
Amy Amideo
Arizona Self-Storage Association
Ray McRae
Arizona Self-Storage Association
Shana Ellis
Arizona State University Action Nexus on Housing and Homelessness
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