Homelessness and health: Integrating structural, social, and behavioral pathways

Our current NSF-funded research aims to develop a holistic understanding of the factors that drive variation in health among people experiencing homelessness in the United States. This work is a collaboration between Lesley Jo Weaver, Josh Snodgrass, and Zachary DuBois at the University of Oregon.

People experiencing homelessness endure high risks of illness and death across all categories, yet the specific pathways leading to variable health outcomes in this population are under-investigated. This project investigates the individual, community, and structural factors that shape health for people with who are or have recently been homeless. We aim to understand the nuanced ways that factors across these three levels of influence interact to affect specific vulnerabilities. To answer these questions, we compare experiences of people living with unsheltered homelessness and sheltered homelessness, and those who have transitioned into permanent supportive housing.

Avi Locke collecting blood spots from a participant using minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Weaver preparing a participant to give a minimally invasive blood sample.

Dylan Podrabsky interviewing a participant using the epicollect platform on an iPad.

Dr. Weaver collecting a hair sample in a thin line to minimize visibility from a participant.

Ave Locke and Allissa Van Steenis collecting biomarkers from a participant (left) and Dr. Weaver interviewing a participant (right) at our St. Vincent de Paul site.

Our team interviewing participants inside the tent and collecting biomarker samples in Washington Jefferson Park.

Dylan Mitchell performing a finger prick glucose test using a Cardiocheck PA instrument while portable fans keep the instrument cool on a 100 degree day.

Dr. Weaver conducting a minimally-invasive finger stick blood test with a research participant in Oregon.

Media coverage

Our research has been featured by numerous regional news organizations including Portland-based KGW 8 NBC and KOIN 6 CBS, Eugene-based KEZI 9 ABC, KVAL 13 CBS, and KMTR 16 NBC and Ashland-based Daily Tidings. We were also highlighted in the University of Oregon’s Newsletter Around the O.

https://nbc16.com/newsletter-daily/university-of-oregon-studying-health-impacts-of-homelessness-02-08-2024

https://www.dailytidings.com/impacts-of-homelessness-on-health-study/

https://kval.com/news/local/university-of-oregon-studying-health-impacts-of-homelessness

https://www.koin.com/news/homeless/oregon-researchers-to-examine-how-homelessness-impacts-long-term-health/

https://www.kgw.com/article/life/study-health-effects-homelessness-oregon/283-73cfb490-a95b-4f76-bd6e-d29be613787c

Have any questions or want to participate? Contact us!