The document summarizes a university/community partnership called KnoxHMIS that aims to address myths about homelessness through data-driven research. KnoxHMIS partners with local organizations to collect data on homeless clients served, with the goals of improving services, enhancing understanding of the population, informing policy, and highlighting social injustices. The summary examines common myths, such as those claiming the homeless are different, come from elsewhere, or are mostly mentally ill/addicted, finding most are long-term local residents experiencing issues like job loss or domestic violence.

1. University/Community Outreach Homelessness Research: Addressing Myths-Informing Policy July 14, 2011 Dr. David Patterson Director- KnoxHMIS College of Social Work The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

2. “What is the role of institutions of higher education in restoring social justice for disenfranchised populations …?” Ndura(2007)

3. University Outreach and Research Model A Partnership of Neighbors KnoxHMIS is a community partnership between… UT College of Social Work The Knoxville/Knox County Coalition to End Homeless The Mayor’s Office of the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness The City of Knoxville Knox County 14 Local Homeless Service Providers and Comcast

4. University Community Outreach Research (UCOR) – KnoxHMIS Creates a reciprocal relationship Extends the university’s intellectual resources in service of the community Produces experiences and data from the outreach research In turn shapes and informs the academic mission.

6. Capturing services provided to shared clients

7. Coordinating case management across the community

8. Allowing case managers to share case notes

10. KnoxHMIS 2010 Annual Report

11. KnoxHMIS2010 Annual Report

12. Local Myths about Individuals Experiencing Homelessness They are not like us. Homeless individuals of east Tennessee are different from homeless individuals elsewhere, so outside research does not apply. They come to Knoxville from elsewhere. Most are mentally ill and substance abusers. Prevention programs do not work. Permanent supportive housing does not reduce costs.

13. Myth – They are not like us The average chronically homeless person is: A single, white male Age 46 Has a high school education Has never been to prison Is from Knox County Reports his primary reason for homelessness as loss of job Is not a vet Reports to be in good health in comparison to other people his age Images used by permission of David Habercom http://www.adriftamerica.com/Home.html

14. Myth – They are not like us The average homeless adult female: A single, white female Age 39 From Knox County Has a high school education Has never been to prison Reports her primary reason for homelessness as domestic violence Reports to be in good health in comparison to other people her age Images used by permission of David Habercom http://www.adriftamerica.com/Home.html

15. Myth – They are not like us Average homeless adult male: A single, white male age 42 from Knox County, who is homeless for the first time has a high school education has never been to prison reports his primary reason for homelessness as loss of job is not a veteran reports to be in good health in comparison to other people his age

16. Myth – They are not like us Average homeless child: 8 years old Accompanied by a single mother In a family with 1.65 children The mother’s self-reported primary reason for homelessness is domestic violence

17. 44% of people experiencing homelessness in Knoxville have a disability. Images used by permission of David Habercom http://www.adriftamerica.com/Home.html

18. Myth – Homeless individuals of east Tennessee are different from the homeless elsewhere.

19. Myth – They come to Knoxville from elsewhere. 83% of all clients had a “last permanent address zip code from Knox Co. or one of the surrounding counties. N = 3,859

20. Myth – They come to Knoxville from elsewhere.

21. Myth – Most are mentally ill/substance abusers.

22. Myth - Homeless prevention programs do not work.

23. Myth - Permanent supportive housing does not reduce community costs.

24. Myth - Permanent supportive housing does not reduce community costs. N = 44

25. Summary The overarching research and social justice intention of the KnoxHMIS university/community partnership is To improve client outcomes for homeless individuals Provide data and attendant analysis to enhance homeless services delivery and understanding of the population. Produce community-based research to inform policy decisions for governmental and organizational partners. Illumination of the social injustice of homelessness.