Turning evidence into action to prevent and end homelessness 

The UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) provides accurate, timely, policy-oriented research about homelessness for local, state, and national policymakers and practitioners.

Learn More About BHHI

181,000+
Californians experience homelessness daily
68%
of homeless Californians are unsheltered
7,754
people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco
21%
of homeless people across the US are older than 55
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Towards a New Understanding Title Page

Groundbreaking BHHI Study

The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness

The UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) has released the largest representative study of homelessness in the United States since the mid-1990s, providing a comprehensive look at the causes and consequences of homelessness in California and recommending policy changes to shape programs in response. 

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Toward Thriving: Understanding Health and Homelessness

New Report

Health and Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness in California face high rates of chronic illness and disability, and numerous barriers to care. Drawing on data from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH), our latest report examines the health status of Californians experiencing homelessness and the barriers that make it harder to access care, manage health conditions, and re-enter housing. The report offers research-backed policy and program solutions.

Featured Content

Our Research
“Everybody out there in the real world is one paycheck away from being homeless”: job loss and housing precarity among people experiencing homelessness
August 19, 2025
The United States has fewer labor protections and wage guarantees than most wealthy nations, leaving many workers vulnerable to economic hardship from job loss, reduced hours, or work-related injuries...
Our Research
Factors Associated With Exits From and Returns to Homelessness Among Older Homeless Adults: Results From the HOPE HOME Study
November 20, 2025
Homelessness is dynamic; some individuals cycle between homelessness and housing. BHHI examined the prevalence of and factors associated with exits from and returns to homelessness among adults aged 5...
Event
Webinar: Understanding Health & Homelessness

People experiencing homelessness in California face high rates of chronic illness and disability, and numerous barriers to care. These health challenges make it harder for people to obtain and retain…

Virtual Event
Videos
Webinar: Latine Californians' Experiences of Homelessness
May 20, 2025
Latine Californians represent more than one-third of the state's homeless population. Yet their experiences are too often left out of research, policy, and service design. The UCSF Benioff Homeles...
Videos
Webinar: Behavioral Health & Homelessness: Findings from CASPEH
March 20, 2025
Homelessness and behavioral health issues (mental health and substance use) are intertwined. The UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative held a webinar about this complex bidirectional relation...

"There is no medicine as powerful as housing."

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MargotKushelMD UCSF BHHI.jpeg
Margot Kushel, MD
Director, UCSF Benioff Homelessness & Housing Initiative

"The gravest threats to health are due to poverty, discrimination, and particularly homelessness. Here at UCSF, many dedicated researchers have devoted their careers to addressing these health inequities. The Benioffs’ continued leadership on these issues, exemplified by this generous gift, will further energize our efforts, and strengthen our links to communities in need at the local, state and national levels."

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Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Sam Hawgood, MBBS
Chancellor, University of California, San Francisco

"The world needs a North Star for truth on homelessness. The UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative will be that North Star, providing the latest research, data, and evidence-based solutions to ensure we’re investing in programs that will help solve the homelessness crisis."

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Marc Benioff
Marc Benioff