Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

McAllister, Carolyn

Abstract

LGBTQIA2S+ homelessness remains a critical yet underexamined issue within California’s Inland Empire. While existing research has documented elevated rates of homelessness among LGBTQ+ populations in major urban centers, particularly among transition-age youth (TAY), there is limited understanding of the specific service needs of unhoused LGBTQIA2S+ adults, including older adults, within this region. This research proposal outlines a community-based needs assessment designed to address this gap. The proposed study will utilize trauma-informed, fully structured interviews with standardized, closed-ended questions administered to LGBTQIA2S+ adults who are currently experiencing or have recently experienced homelessness across the Inland Empire. The instrument will assess barriers to housing stability, access to affirming services, healthcare disparities, experiences of discrimination, and service system gaps. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistical methods to identify patterns and prevalence of needs across participants. The findings are expected to inform culturally responsive social work practice, strengthen nonprofit and community-based service delivery, and support policy advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to housing and affirming support services for LGBTQIA2S+ unhoused adults.

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