SAN DIEGO — A University of San Diego professor’s research into homeless shelter systems is revealing that first-time homeless individuals represent the fastest-growing population seeking services, while some of the barriers include the high cost of housing and the shortage of affordable options.
Odilka Santiago, an associate sociology professor at USD, began studying homelessness and housing justice in 2017 after her sister entered a shelter in New York.
“I first-hand had an opportunity to hear her testimony and see how it had really changed her and my nephew while going through the shelter system,” Santiago said…