Understanding Policy Priorities for People Experiencing Homelessness in Skid Row, Los Angeles
Homelessness is a complex social issue that requires informed policy decisions. The A-Mark Foundation sought insights directly from the Skid Row community to guide programs and advocacy efforts. Ataviz Consulting partnered to turn survey data into actionable understanding for policymakers and organizations.
Challenge
The A-Mark Foundation needed a clear picture of the policy priorities and needs of people experiencing homelessness in Skid Row. While qualitative observations provided some context, there was no structured data capturing which areas (healthcare, housing, sanitation, or resources) were most urgent from the perspective of those with lived experience.
Strategy
Ataviz Consulting analyzed a survey of Skid Row residents conducted by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. The data was cleaned, coded, and categorized into key policy areas, and rankings were assigned to prioritize responses. Customized visualizations were created to present results in a clear, digestible format, helping The A-Mark Foundation translate raw survey data into actionable insights.
Outcome
The analysis revealed that residents prioritized healthcare, housing, and necessities when considering long-term policy impact, while short-term concerns focused on resources, necessities, and sanitation/safety. Insights from focus groups highlighted challenges with housing program rules, personal security, and basic logistics for daily living. These findings were presented in a public article, equipping policymakers and organizations with data-driven understanding of the community’s priorities and helping guide targeted interventions in Los Angeles.
Client Testimonial:
"Ataviz Consulting transformed our data into professional-quality visualizations with graphs, infographics, and word clouds. They responded to every email so quickly, and the final product was done well in advance of the promised delivery date. Nicholas is a pleasure to communicate with, and he clearly laid out several options with his recommendation for any complicated decisions. They have a collaborative process and were very patient in working towards the final product."
-- Tracey D., Vice-President of The A-Mark Foundation