
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS
About the Center
Founded in 2024 with a lead gift from the Henson family, the Center on Health and Homelessness at the Georgia State University School of Public Health brings faculty, staff, students, and community partners together to address homelessness as a public health issue.
We specialize in public health research at the intersection of health and homelessness, with 3 key areas of focus:
- Program and Process Evaluation: Support community organizations in assessing the effectiveness of programs and policies, generating evidence to improve health and homelessness interventions
- Technical Assistance: Deliver tailored support and capacity-building services through trainings, resource development, and direct assistance to strengthen the ability of organizations to address homelessness through a public health and evidence-based lens
- Evidence-based Interventions: Apply research-driven strategies to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of existing programs and recommend public health interventions to address homelessness
How small acts of “dignity” can help vulnerable populations
Unhoused children suffer the worst health consequences of poor water access
‘Homelessness is a public health crisis.’ New GSU center attempts to tackle it
New Georgia State research center studies homelessness, seeks solutions
Study Examines Links Between Opioid Epidemic and Rural Homelessness

Our People
Faculty
Staff
Students
Kelsey Boreland
Kelsey Boreland is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Georgia State University School of Public Health.
Marcus Cain
Marcus Cain is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Georgia State University School of Public Health.
Chip Daymude
Chip Daymude is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Georgia State University School of Public Health.
Marlene Ehirim
Marlene Ehirim is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Georgia State University School of Public Health.
Brandie Shackelford
Brandie Shackelford is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
Adriana Williams
Adriana Williams is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Georgia State University School of Public Health.
Former Students
- Viktoriya Landar, MPH student, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
- Alyssa Millikin, MPH student, GSU School of Public Health
Our Approach
The Center on Health and Homelessness is building partnerships to address the intersection of public health and homelessness. To do so, we use a combined framework of Collective Impact, Transformative Change and Community Readiness to guide our research and actions.
Collective Impact
Partner with local organizations to strengthen data-based decision making by coordinating evaluation efforts, tracking progress of activities, and establishing shared metrics
Transformative Change
Work alongside communities to identify challenges, inform meaningful, community-led solutions, and support efforts to positively shape their environment
Community Readiness
Guide strategic planning efforts to equip communities for proactive, collaborative, research-based solutions to address homelessness