Westat: Evaluation of the Family Homelessness Systems Initiative: Six-Month Findings

Published: February 12, 2019

Developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and led by Building Changes, the Family Homelessness Systems Initiative has been providing funding and support to King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties since 2009 to reform their homeless housing and service delivery systems for families. The overall goal of the Initiative is to reduce family homelessness in the three counties by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the systems. Key targeted outcomes are reducing the length of time families experience homelessness and decreasing returns to homelessness.

Westat, an external evaluator, is conducting a longitudinal outcome evaluation to examine the effects of the systems changes on the experiences and outcomes of families served. This December 2018 report provides interim six-month evaluation findings based on an analysis of the outcomes of families served after system reform compared to outcomes of families served prior to reform. Findings from this six-month comparison provide early evidence that system changes have occurred and are affecting the nature of assistance received by families and their access to housing

See also: Summary of Findings by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (external link)

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