Homelessness
Westat studies the problem of homelessness from a variety of perspectives—causes of homelessness,
interventions to prevent homelessness, transitioning from homelessness, and funding homelessness services. Our projects
include evaluations using quantitative and qualitative data, evaluability studies, and surveys.
- Westat conducted the last Evaluation of the Projects to Assist in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Program from 1998-2000. PATH is a formula grant program that helps states and territories provide
community-based services for people who are homeless and have mental illnesses. Westat will also conduct a second round
evaluation that will examine the services provided to people who are homeless and the extent to which
PATH-funded provider agencies have adopted evidence-based or promising practices. Westat will perform the
following:
- Interview a purposive sample of 25 state PATH directors, local PATH providers, and consumers;
- Analyze PATH annual reports and state PATH applications; and
- Report on the findings and make recommendations.
- Westat is assessing the Evaluability of Discharge Planning to Prevent Subsequent Homelessness. We are
examining discharge planning in a range of settings (foster care, inpatient psychiatric treatment, and
residential and substance abuse treatment settings) as an intervention to prevent homelessness. In this
2-year study Westat will study and model exemplary discharge planning and assess the extent to which discharge planning
to prevent homelessness can be evaluated on a broader scale.
- Westat is developing the Knowledge Application Plan for the Homeless Programs Branch of CMS. This plan is
part of the broader Science-to-Services initiative of SAMHSA. The goal of the project is to disseminate knowledge
of evidence-based and promising practices to serve people who are homeless, have mental illnesses, and may have
co-occurring substance use disorders. The information is presented in accessible materials for policymakers,
service providers, and consumer and family groups. The goal is to help improve the quality of services provided in
communities throughout the Nation.
- Westat redesigned the National Survey of Veterans to meet the VA's informational needs in responding to its
policy, planning, and budgetary challenges. Westat then conducted the first comprehensive survey of veterans since
1992, providing the VA with a portrait of the veteran population nationwide, and capturing information for
traditionally underrepresented veteran populations, including veterans who are homeless.
For more information about the Social Services Research Area,
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