UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative: Elevating Research to Shape the National Conversation
The University of California, San Francisco’s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) engaged our team to lead a national communications strategy to announce the largest study on homelessness since the 1990s. The goal: shape public understanding and inform policy at every level. Our work has generated over 3,000 media placements and counting, while positioning Dr. Margot Kushel, BHHI director, as a nationally recognized voice on homelessness and policy.
Thought Leadership Campaign
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Leveraged national media attention to help BHHI secure more than ten presentations before California and federal government committees
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Positioned BFFI to brief dozens of national policy organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, and Housing First
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Led communications for follow-on reports, driving sustained media coverage on key issues from intimate partner violence and Black Californians to older adults and unsheltered homelessness
Media & Digital Impact
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Shared the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH) with top national and California reporters, securing a wave of launch-day coverage from leading outlets, including Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine and The New York Times
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Developed strategic messaging and conducted media trainings for BHHI experts, people with lived expertise, and partner organizations
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Managed hundreds of high-profile interviews with national and local outlets, including CNN, National Public Radio, San Francisco Chronicle, FOX Business, The Atlantic, and Orange County Register
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Led website and social content that drove a 300% increase in web traffic with 20,000+ report downloads, and social engagement up more than 300%
"We brought in the team for the release of our landmark study on homelessness, and they exceeded our highest expectations. Their strategic counsel, spot-on media instincts, and national media expertise resulted in 3,000+ stories to date. The success of the release has not only influenced change makers, but also shifted public perceptions—dispelling myths and providing data-driven policy solutions to prevent and end homelessness.”
Margot Kushel, MD, Director
UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative