Seth Watson Pickens is the Managing Director of USC’s Homelessness Policy Research Institute. His research interests center around holistic approaches to the prevention of chronic homelessness.
Before joining HPRI, he served with the Economic Roundtable as director of the Realization Project. This 3-year research pilot was a person-centered demonstration of employment-based solutions to housing insecurity. Co-authoring multiple publications in this role, Seth is principal investigator of the 2024 report, The Work Behind Work: Combatting Homelessness with Jobs. This report asserts that the housing stability, income, and hopefulness of younger adults at high risk of persistent homelessness can be enhanced through the development of whole-person learning ecosystems.
A mental health and inclusion expert, Seth has conducted research and trainings for numerous colleges and universities, non-profits, research organizations, and the Fortune 100. In addition, he provides professional counseling services to individual and group clients, with a strong reputation for facilitating healing and self-discovery through reflexive, meditative, and contemplative methods.
An ordained pastor since 2009, Seth led an American Baptist church for 10 years, and is the current Spiritual Director and Senior Minister of the Guidance Church of Religious Science, a historic and vibrant congregation in South L.A. Prior work experiences include years as a sales executive, an elementary school teacher, and 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Haiti.
Rev. Dr. Pickens holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from Morehouse College, a master of divinity from Union Theological Seminary (NYC), and a doctor of education from the Rossier School of Education at USC.