About me
My theory
When I walk into a new environment, I look at what’s posted on the walls. How is this environment functioning internally? Externally? I talk to staff and clients about what’s working and what’s not working. I value systemic transparency and accountability to both clients and staff. I know from what I see on the ground, and in the virtual smoke-filled rooms, that there are other forces at play. Who are the political players? What alliances need to be formed? Where are the systemic barriers located?
My research
The 2024 Washington State Permanent Supportive Housing Perceptions and Community Health (PerCH) Survey explored experiences of people with histories of homelessness and a variety of drug use patterns, including abstinence, who are currently living in permanent supportive housing (PSH). The survey used both multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions to explore the demographics and characteristics of survey participants and their experiences with overdose, perceptions of substance use policies, quality of community relationships, personal substance use patterns and needs.
Perceptions of Substance Use in Permanent Supportive Housing: Results from the 2024 WA State PerCH Staff Survey (March 2025). This report describes findings from a survey of 28 staff members about their perceptions of substance use among residents and staff’s approaches to substance use in their buildings.