Navigating pathways from temporary hotel shelters to permanent housing during California’s COVID-19 response

The Operation Safer Ground (OSG) program leveraged newly available funding and vacancies in motels and hotels to house people experiencing homelessness (PEH), protecting them from COVID-19 and facilitating transitions into permanent housing. Little information exists about the experience of program staff and residents in the search for permanent housing. Using qualitative interviews with residents and staff members, we explore the experience of navigating permanent housing placements for OSG residents. While most OSG residents secured permanent housing and some expressed high levels of satisfaction, thematic analysis revealed that others encountered challenges with communication and unrealized expectations. These experiences revealed repercussions of housing scarcity and the homelessness response system on individuals’ autonomy to prioritize safety and quality of life, as well as opportunities to strengthen communication between residents and staff. Findings suggest that enhanced training and structured support for housing navigators, along with realistic communication about housing availability and eligibility to residents, could improve experiences. However, broader systemic barriers, including the severe housing shortage, continue to impede solutions. This study underscores the need for sustained investment in affordable housing and improved services to facilitate housing transitions for PEH.