City of Austin Homelessness Diversion Pilot 

Uncovering the key factors driving housing insecurity to promote well-being

Project Summary

This study assesses the implementation and effectiveness of a pilot diversion program designed to prevent homelessness or facilitate rapid exits from homelessness for individuals and households. Diversion strategies provide targeted support to help participants maintain or secure housing shortly after they start experiencing homelessness. 

While best practices for diversion programs have been identified, empirical evidence on their overall effectiveness remains limited. The City of Austin’s newly launched diversion initiative offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate innovative approaches, identify effective program components, examine population-specific outcomes, and assess broader community impacts. This evaluation aims to contribute to a more robust evidence base to inform future homelessness diversion strategies and policy development. 

Researchers

  • Dr. Whitney Thurman’s research focuses on improving access to primary and behavioral healthcare for underserved populations, particularly those with disabilities and lived experience of homelessness. She earned her MSN (2007) and PhD (2018) from the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the UT College of Pharmacy’s Health Outcomes Division. Her research promotes community-led solutions to address gaps in health and housing systems, especially for older adults experiencing homelessness. A member of the 4th cohort of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship, Dr. Thurman uses participatory research methods to develop person-centered, community-based services and policy strategies. She also teaches Public Health Nursing and Disability Over the Life Course, mentoring the next generation of nurse scientists.

    Read full bio for Whitney Thurman, Ph.D., RN

  • Dr. Leticia Moczygemba is a Professor in the Health Outcomes Division and Associate Director of the Texas Center for Health Outcomes Research and Education at The University of Texas College of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on reducing health disparities through patient-centered, community-engaged interventions that optimize medication use and outcomes for underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and those in rural areas. She leads an AHRQ-funded study developing a GPS- and text-based mHealth intervention and co-leads a CDC-funded project improving medication therapy management in Texas community pharmacies. With over 17 years of experience collaborating with health systems and community partners, she has led numerous multi-level, mixed-methods evaluations, including a large CMS Innovation Center study in rural Virginia. Dr. Moczygemba is a recognized leader in pharmacy practice research and has received national honors, including being named an AACP Leadership Fellow and APhA Fellow.

    Read full bio for Leticia Moczygemba

  • Akram Al-Turk, PhD is a Researcher and Director for the Moritz Center’s Housing Program. His current work focuses on understanding the complex causes of housing instability and evaluating the impact of homeless service programs. Prior to joining the Moritz Center, he was the Senior Director of Research and Public Policy at the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition in Travis County. He has led community-based research projects and collaborated with service providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Dr. Al-Turk holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Global Policy Studies from the LBJ School, where he now teaches as an adjunct faculty member.

    Read full bio for Akram Al-Turk, Ph.D.