Press Releases

The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released a report on the relationship between health and homelessness. Toward Thriving: Understanding Health & Homelessness reveals that nearly half of Californians experiencing homelessness rate their health as poor or fair—about four times the rate in the general U.S. population. The report documents high rates of chronic disease, disability, and steep barriers to care for Californians experiencing homelessness.

SAN FRANCISCO (November 17, 2025) – Following is a statement by Margot Kushel, MD, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) at the University of California, San ...

SAN FRANCISCO (October 8, 2025) – Following is a statement by Dr. Margot Kushel, MD, Director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) at the University of California, San Francisco, on the potential impact of proposed federal funding cuts to critical programs that address housing insecurity, hunger, and poverty. 

The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released a report that examines Latine Californians' experiences of homelessness and makes recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released a report that examines the issues of homelessness and behavioral health (substance use and mental health) and makes recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

SAN FRANCISCO (January 17, 2025) – Following is a statement by Dr. Margot Kushel,MD, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) at theUniversity of California, San...

SAN FRANCISCO (December 28, 2024) – Following is a statement by Dr. Margot Kushel, MD, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) at the University of California, ...

The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released a topic brief that sheds new light on the 78% of all Californians experiencing homelessness who live in unsheltered settings (i.e. outdoors, in a vehicle, in a place not meant for human habitation). It provides policy recommendations for reducing unsheltered homelessness through a combination of prevention, shelter, and permanent housing. 

On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that cities may arrest and fine people for resting outside, even when they have nowhere else to go. This is an extreme decision that will have a dangerous and negative impact on people experiencing homelessness and do nothing to end homelessness. Read BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel’s full statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.

Dr. Margot Kushel, MD, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) at the University of California, San Francisco announced today that Marc Dones has joined the staff as Policy Director.