Los Angeles County is using artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent homelessness by identifying and assisting people at risk of losing their homes. The program, run by the L.A. County Department of Health Services, aims to offer help before individuals become homeless. However, outreach workers face challenges convincing people that the assistance is genuine and not a scam.
Dana Vanderford, head of the Homelessness Prevention Unit, said, “We hear all the time from our clients that our program sounds too good to be true — what’s the catch?” The program provides quick cash assistance for rent, medical care, or car repairs, along with six months of case management and help signing up for other county programs.
The AI model, developed by UCLA’s California Policy Lab, analyzes data from emergency room visits, psychiatric admissions, and other factors to predict who is at high risk of becoming homeless. The program has served over 700 clients since 2021, with 86% retaining their housing, according to LAist.
Despite its success, the program struggles with communication issues. Many potential clients are hard to reach due to unreliable phone service or past negative experiences with government programs. Outreach workers are improving their methods, such as avoiding the word “homeless” to build trust.
The program, funded by $26 million in federal COVID funds, is set to continue until 2026. If successful, it could help cities and counties allocate resources more efficiently. The initiative highlights the potential of AI in addressing social issues, but also underscores the importance of human interaction in building trust and delivering aid effectively.
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