ProgramsNYU Wagner Capstone: Advocacy and Political Action (Fall 25' to Spring 26')ProjectsAging with Dignity: Designing a Scalable Transitional Care Model fo...

Project Title: Aging with Dignity: Designing a Scalable Transitional Care Model for Older Adults Exiting Homelessness

Friendship Place

Details
Project Title Aging with Dignity: Designing a Scalable Transitional Care Model for Older Adults Exiting Homelessness
Project Topics Community Organization and Social Action Corporate Social Responsibility Individual and Family Advocacy Innovation Political Organization, Policy Change, and Advocacy Strategic Planning
Skills & Expertise Cost Benefit Analysis Data Data Collection Market Research Presentations Program Project Project Management Qualitative Qualitative Research Statistics
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
 
Friendship Place is confronting a critical gap in the care continuum for formerly homeless older adults. While the private sector offers a range of aging options—independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care—these models often exclude people with histories of homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders. As a result, many are prematurely moved into nursing facilities, leading to higher costs and worse outcomes. 

In response, Friendship Place has been developing a coalition and conceptual framework for a new, stepped-care model tailored to the unique needs of this population. The goal is to create an adaptable alternative that allows older adults with complex behavioral and health needs to age with stability, support, and dignity—without prematurely entering institutional settings. 

The next step is to conduct a structured analysis of similar efforts in other jurisdictions, evaluate their applicability to Washington, D.C., and provide clear guidance for implementation based on D.C.’s distinct landscape. 
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
 
Action Items:
Student consultants will: 

  • Conduct a national scan of transitional and long-term care models for aging homeless populations, with a focus on states like California, New York, and Oregon, including assessment of already studied models.
  • Identify new models that are cost-effective, trauma-informed, and culturally competent, and evaluate their funding mechanisms, operational structures, and stakeholder collaborations.
  • Map D.C.’s current infrastructure, resource constraints, and policy environment to assess fit and adaptation potential, with information and guidance from our Coalition on Aging and Homelessness.
  • Collaborate with the coalition and senior staff at Friendship Place to design a D.C.-ready pilot model based on best-fit components.
  • Propose strategies for policy engagement, cross-agency collaboration, and phased funding to ensure implementation is feasible within local budget realities.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
 
Measuring Success: 

  • Comparative analysis report summarizing best practices and challenges in other jurisdictions.
  • Matrix of funding mechanisms (Medicaid, HUD, local) and how they have been leveraged elsewhere.
  • Local ecosystem map of agencies, housing providers, and funding streams relevant to aging and homelessness.
  • Pilot design framework for a stepped-care model, including cost assumptions, staffing structure, and regulatory considerations.
  • Recommendations for community engagement, coalition governance, and policy advocacy necessary for implementation.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Sep 12 2025 Event

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available