By Steve Mellish
Gulstan Dart expressed gratitude to Ty for the information shared. A company in Los Angeles is leveraging artificial intelligence to pinpoint individuals facing the risk of homelessness. Subsequently, they provide resources to help these individuals maintain their housing stability. The AI software monitors various indicators such as visits to the emergency room, crisis interventions for mental health issues, assessments for substance abuse disorders, criminal records, and enrollment in public assistance programs like food aid. Following this tracking, outreach leaders engage with these individuals, offering financial assistance and support services. Upon approval, they are paired with a caseworker who collaborates with them for a period of 4 to 6 months. Additionally, they receive financial aid ranging from \(4,000 to \)6,000 for essential needs. This innovative approach highlights the positive application of AI to target assistance towards individuals who may not typically access such services. Despite the complexities surrounding data utilization, the aim is to explore avenues for enhanced data sharing to bolster programs that genuinely benefit and cater to those in greatest need. The software was officially launched, marking a significant milestone in aiding vulnerable populations.
Leveraging AI to Assist Individuals at Risk of Poverty in Los Angeles
Updated: 5:28 PM PDT Mar 22, 2024
By Steve Mellish
Los Angeles County has harnessed artificial intelligence to identify individuals at risk of poverty and provide support to help them maintain stable housing. The initiative monitors various factors such as emergency room visits, mental health crisis interventions, substance abuse assessments, arrests, and enrollment in essential benefit programs like food aid. Subsequently, officials proactively engage with these individuals to offer financial aid and services. Upon approval, they are connected with a dedicated case worker for a period of up to six months and receive financial assistance to address their basic needs. Since its inception in 2021, the program has already assisted over 700 individuals. Dana Vanderford, the head of LA County’s new Homelessness Prevention Unit within Housing for Health, elaborates on the program in the accompanying video. For more coverage on prominent stories in California, visit our website or download our app.
Los Angeles County has implemented artificial intelligence to pinpoint individuals at risk of homelessness and provide the necessary resources to ensure housing stability. The software monitors critical indicators such as emergency room visits, mental health crisis interventions, substance abuse disorder diagnoses, arrests, and enrollment in public assistance programs like food aid. Upon identification, officials extend financial assistance and services to these individuals. Upon approval, they are paired with a case worker for up to six months and receive financial aid to meet their essential needs. Since its launch in 2021, the program has successfully supported over 700 individuals. Dana Vanderford, leading the Homelessness Prevention Unit of Housing for Health in LA County, discusses the program further in the video above.
