Advocates Make a Difference in Duration of Homelessness and Quality of Life.

Social support is known to protect against homelessness and improve the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness, but the role of professional versus informal advocates has not been studied in relation to the duration of homelessness and quality of life. We measured the effect of the presence and quality of formal (professional) and informal (family or friend) advocates on these outcomes. Our team interviewed 67 adults experiencing homelessness at tiny house villages and self-organized encampments in Seattle/King County, Washington in 2018-2019.