Date of Award

Summer 6-29-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Concerns for the homeless population remain a hot topic between the general public, service providers, and policymakers, not only at the national and state level but also locally in the City of Fresno, Ca. If the City of Fresno implemented an aggressive campaign of treating the main causes of homelessness, then the number of unsheltered individuals living in the City of Fresno would be reduced. If a program deploying mental health professionals directly to affected individuals is implemented, if a program getting substance abuse counselors out to the affected individuals is employed, and if a program option for in-patient treatment for the severely mentally ill and chronically homeless is introduced, then the number of unsheltered individuals living in the City of Fresno would be reduced. Relevant literature in this study shows that the percentage of homeless that suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, or both is high (North et al., 2004). The research methods used for this study were through personal contact, interviews with subject matter experts, in-person surveys with a sample of the target population, and ethnological data gained through observation. The Theory of Change and all three assumptions were validated by both subject matter experts and a sample of the target population. This study further recommends the need for more outreach and engagement (O&E) activities to help this very vulnerable population.

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