Los Angeles is using AI in a pilot program to try to predict homelessness and allocate aid

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the Homelessness Prevention Program in Los Angeles, which uses predictive AI to identify individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless and provides them with financial assistance to help them remain housed. The program has helped nearly 800 individuals and families, with 86% of participants retaining permanent housing. The article also discusses the development of the AI model, the use of government AI, and the personal story of a single mother who was able to stay in her apartment with the help of the program.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Homelessness Prevention Program in Los Angeles

1. What is the Homelessness Prevention Program in Los Angeles?

• The Homelessness Prevention Program in Los Angeles uses predictive AI to identify individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless and offers them financial assistance to help them remain housed.
• The program has helped serve nearly 800 individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless, with 86% of participants retaining permanent housing when they leave.
• Individuals and families have access to between $4,000 and $8,000 in assistance from the program.

2. How does the program work?

• The program uses an AI model developed by the California Policy Lab at UCLA, which analyzes data from various county departments to identify patterns and predict who is at risk of experiencing homelessness.
• The program then reaches out to these individuals and families before they lose their housing and provides them with financial assistance to help them stay in their homes.
• The program works with clients for four months and follows up with them at the six-month, 12-month, and 18-month marks after discharge.

3. What are the challenges and concerns around the use of AI in the program?

• There are concerns about the privacy and potential misuse of the anonymized data used to develop the AI model, as past research has shown that such data can be traced back to individuals.
• There are also broader questions about the cost-effectiveness and long-term impact of the program in preventing homelessness.
• Experts emphasize the importance of receiving informed consent from people seeking help and ensuring the safety of their personal information.

[02] The Personal Story of Courtney Peterson

1. What was Courtney Peterson's situation before receiving assistance from the program?

• Courtney Peterson, a single mother, was laid off from her job at an inpatient transitional living program, which had previously allowed her to bring her 7-year-old son to work and provided enough income to cover their rent.
• After losing her job, Peterson was concerned about making the next month's rent and began reaching out to various organizations for assistance, but many required an active eviction notice before providing help.

2. How did the Homelessness Prevention Program help Courtney Peterson?

• The Homelessness Prevention Program reached out to Peterson and offered her and her son around $8,000 in assistance to cover rent, utilities, and basic needs, allowing them to remain in their apartment while she looked for a new job.
• The program's caseworkers worked with Peterson for four months and followed up with her at the six-month, 12-month, and 18-month marks to help stabilize her housing situation.

3. What is Courtney Peterson's outlook for the future?

• Peterson is currently in the process of looking for a new job, hoping to find a remote position that will provide her with the flexibility she needs.
• In the future, she hopes to obtain her licensed vocational nursing certification and eventually buy a home where her son can have his own room, providing them with more stability.