Working Together to Achieve Functional Zero in Homelessness: Mirle Rabinowitz-Bussell and Leslie Lewis of Homelessness Hub

The Finest City

In this episode of the Knowledge to Action series, host Jen Whitelaw welcomes Mirle Rabinowitz-Bussell, Ph.D., and Leslie Lewis, Ph.D. from Homelessness Hub, two of the great minds leading the collaboration between Urban Studies and Planning and Geographical Information Systems at UC San Diego. Mirle and Leslie discuss Homelessness Hub’s use of data and visualization tools to support research and policy development for the unsheltered in San Diego County, some of the misconceptions about homelessness, and they provide resources and tips for those who want to help.

Timestamps:

[3:39] Evidence based data is at the heart of the Hub’s main approach. Their ethos is all about collaboration, applied research, and working with everyone from service providers to elected officials, and people with lived experience.

[4:08] Mirle and Leslie’s vision is that Homelessness Hub is a lively center of actionable research and policy analysis, education, and public education where community engagement is critical.

[5:30] Why does San Diego need a hub for the homeless?

[8:33] How does urban planning play a role in both understanding policy and using the land in a way that serves the community?

[10:12] It’s critical to understand that people who are experiencing homelessness represent millions of stories and individual tragedies.

[12:00] How does this impact the way we design public city spaces?

[17:16] Mirle and Leslie discuss their local policy wins, including using data and client interviews from a safe parking program to expand its hours.

[20:22] How does San Diego’s unique approach to homelessness compare to other cities?

[25:59] Shocking stat: the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in San Diego are older adults, people over the age of 55.

[31:05] Listen to the stories of the homeless, and treat them with respect. Be open to conversation, and do your research.

About C-3

In its 60 years of existence, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) has brought together local thought leaders from planning, design, policy, academia, community development, and more to address our region’s distinctive and pressing land use challenges. In founding C-3 almost 60 years ago, architect Lloyd Ruocco’s vision was to bring together our region’s most creative minds from the arts, sciences, academia, and government to share ideas, learn new perspectives, and build fellowship around the idea of creating livable communities.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org