News - HPRI

HPRI Honored with George D. Nickel Award for Outstanding Professional Social Work Service

By HPRI

On April 16, 2026, HPRI leadership attended the 2026 Social Welfare Impact Awards banquet at Cal State LA, to celebrate their reception of the George D. Nickel Award for Outstanding Professional Social Work Service by the California Social Welfare Archives. HPRI was honored alongside fellow award winners Altadena Girls, Community Self-Defense Coalition, and Dr. Craig Jackson. The event brought together leaders in social work and advocacy to recognize individuals and organizations advancing meaningful, system-level change for vulnerable communities.

USC researchers release impact report from California’s Pet Assistance and Support Program

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

A new USC study finds that funding for pet-inclusive emergency housing is a critical and effective intervention within homeless services. The USC HPRI analyzed Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) provider spending and outcome reports from 2020-2024, finding increased access to shelter among pet owners, and substantial provision of pet healthcare.

USC study explores state efforts helping the homeless population find shelter for their pets

By Kara Finnstrom

CBS News

A new USC study looked at state efforts to help the homeless population find shelter not only for themselves but also for their pets. Nicholas Weinmeister, from the Homelessness Policy Research Institute, said shelters that accept pets are rare, but about five years ago, the state decided to invest in them. Click here to watch the video.

SOLACHAN 2025 – Executive Summary

Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC)

SOLACHAN 2025 report brings together high-quality research on housing supply, demographic information, neighborhood characteristics, homelessness data, and more. HPRI has contributed to this important report’s chapter on unhoused angelenos.