RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Navigating pathways from temporary hotel shelters to permanent housing during California’s COVID-19 response
Ruwala, R., Hemberg, J., Lorvick, J. J., Eng, S., & Comfort, M. L. (2026). Navigating pathways from temporary hotel shelters to permanent housing during California’s COVID-19 response. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2026.2640248
The Operation Safer Ground (OSG) program leveraged newly available funding and vacancies in motels and hotels to house people experiencing homelessness (PEH), protecting them from COVID-19 and facilitating transitions into permanent housing. Little information exists about the experience of program staff and residents in the search for permanent housing. Using qualitative interviews with residents and staff members, we explore the experience of navigating permanent housing placements for OSG residents. While most OSG residents secured permanent housing and some expressed high levels of satisfaction, thematic analysis revealed that others encountered challenges with communication and unrealized expectations. These experiences revealed repercussions of housing scarcity and the homelessness response system on individuals’ autonomy to prioritize safety and quality of life, as well as …
RTI shares its evidence-based research - through peer-reviewed publications and media - to ensure that it is accessible for others to build on, in line with our mission and scientific standards.
