Peeking through the homelessness system with a network science lens

Abstract

This paper models, for the first time, the homelessness system as a network of interconnected services which individuals traverse over time towards securing stable housing, and formalizes the concept of stability upon exit of the system. A computational analysis of individual-level longitudinal homelessness data shows that the ultimate goal is either reached quickly or not at all, regardless of starting conditions, indicating the importance of addressing the homeless' needs early on.