Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at Notre Dame

Research shows us that targeted homelessness prevention keeps families housed, saves resources, and delivers real impact. Tomorrow, we’re joining a conversation on scaling what works. Santa Clara County’s Homelessness Prevention System, developed in partnership with Destination: Home and informed by LEO’s rigorous research, has already helped 17,000 residents stay housed. Our own Brendan Perry will join our partners at Destination: Home and Results for America to discuss how communities can adapt and implement evidence-based prevention strategies that work. ?? March 12 | 1-2 PM ET ?? Virtual Event ?? https://lnkd.in/e2MWfN6S #HomelessnessPrevention #LEOatNotreDame #EvidenceToAction #SmartPolicy #ScalingSolutions

How do we know we’re actually moving the needle on poverty? Many well-meaning programs sound effective—but without research, we don’t know for sure. That’s why LEO partners with nonprofits to measure what truly works, ensuring every effort leads to lasting change. If we can do better, we should. ?? Learn more about our approach: https://bit.ly/3WQyJ6e

?? Homelessness in the U.S. has reached record levels—but research can help turn the tide. In 2024, more than 770,000 people were unhoused—a staggering 18% increase from last year. Family homelessness surged 39%, underscoring the urgent need for solutions grounded in evidence, not guesswork. Join LEO’s director of research, David Phillips, and a panel of experts as they explore: ?? The history behind today’s crisis—because solving a problem starts with understanding it. ?? What works—from Housing First to prevention programs, backed by data. ?? What we’re still learning—because more evidence drives better solutions. ?? How we scale impact together—because knowledge is most powerful when shared. ?? Wednesday, March 5, 2 to 3pm ET ?? Register now: https://bit.ly/IRP-Webinar Let’s illuminate the path forward—together. #Homelessness #EvidenceMatters #HousingFirst #EndHomelessness #LEOatND #SocialImpact #PolicySolutions

Join Our Team! ?? LEO is seeking a Poverty Research Fellows Specialist to lead and expand our Poverty Research Fellows program, shaping the next generation of leaders in evidence-based poverty alleviation. In this role, you’ll: ? Develop & manage internship programs for Notre Dame undergraduates ? Design academic-year programming to foster student growth ? Engage with PRF alumni to strengthen connections & impact If you’re passionate about student development, program design, and research-driven social impact, we’d love to hear from you! ?? Apply today: https://bit.ly/41dmMcx #Hiring #HigherEdJobs #EducationLeadership #EndPoverty #NotreDame

?? NEW TOOLKIT: A Thoughtful, Proven Approach to Preventing Homelessness A new toolkit from LEO, Results for America, and Destination: Home gives communities a research-backed roadmap to prevent homelessness before it starts. ? What the research shows: ? Families receiving financial assistance were 81% less likely to become homeless within six months. ? Compare to emergency shelter and supportive housing, prevention is a far more cost-effective solution. ? This toolkit provides a structured, adaptable framework for designing & sustaining a prevention system. ?? Let’s turn evidence into action. Explore the toolkit: https://lnkd.in/gmN7mD7b #HomelessnessPrevention #PolicyWithPurpose #LEOatND #SocialImpact #EvidenceInAction

?? Data has the power to transform lives—when we use it wisely. Join us and King County this Wednesday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT for the latest Evidence Matters webinar, where Opportunity Insights will share groundbreaking research on economic mobility and introduce the Opportunity Atlas—a powerful tool that reveals how access to opportunity varies across the U.S. and how it’s changing over time. At LEO, we believe evidence should serve people, not the other way around. That’s why this conversation goes beyond the data—it’s about how local governments and community partners are turning insights into action to foster real opportunity. ?? Discover economic mobility data specific to your community ?? Learn how local governments and partners are using data to drive change ?? Be inspired to take action toward a more equitable future If you care about outsmarting poverty with smarter solutions, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. ? Register now to save your spot! https://lnkd.in/gHew3Q3X #EvidenceMatters #EconomicMobility #OpportunityAtlas #DataForChange #LEOInsights

Love is more than sentiment—it’s a commitment to doing right by others. At LEO, we believe rigorous research is one of the deepest expressions of love. Why? Because when we ask tough questions, we challenge assumptions. When we measure impact, we ensure that efforts to fight poverty actually work. And when we follow the evidence, we create change that stands the test of time. ?? This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love that lasts—the kind that dares to demand better, for those in poverty and for all of us. ?? Read more in this blog from LEO Michael L. Smith managing director, Heather Reynolds: https://bit.ly/42W62ss

How do we know we’re actually moving the needle on poverty? Many well-meaning programs sound effective—but without research, we don’t know for sure. That’s why LEO partners with nonprofits to measure what truly works, ensuring every effort leads to lasting change. If we can do better, we should. ?? Learn more about our approach: https://bit.ly/3WQyJ6e

?? Championships are won with strategy—and so is the fight for change. ?? 18 million adults in the U.S. lack a high school diploma, but Goodwill Excel Centers, with support from Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), are changing the game: Graduates see a 40% earnings increase within five years. Policies passed in 12 states to expand opportunities. $12M invested in Arizona to transform lives. ?? Just like a winning team, collaboration and evidence are key to success. ? At LEO, we’re committed to bringing rigorous research to the fight against poverty. Watch how evidence is rewriting the playbook for education. #NationalChampionship #WhatWouldYouFightFor #EvidenceMatters #EducationPolicy

?? We are beyond excited that the University of Notre Dame, Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at Notre Dame - LEO is partnering with Restore Hope to provide research and evaluation of the 100 Families Initiative! ?? Paul Chapman sits with Fran Gallagher, the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships for LEO as well as Tiffany Wright of Arkansas DCFS, Sarah Littleton, and Karen Phillips to discuss this incredible opportunity and how ??Arkansas is leading the charge as the epicenter of innovative solutions!??