Graham J. Pruss, PhD

Founder and Principal Scientist Using a strategic science approach, I work alongside local stakeholders to co-identify and collaboratively conduct studies centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and lived experiences. My work has mixed qualitative interviews and quantitative studies to evaluate programs, systems, and conditions of complicated issues, such as COVID-19 vaccinations and social service outreach among people experiencing homelessness, as well as inclusionary legal and social service support for people who inhabit vehicles in public urban, suburban, and rural spaces. I have been honored to work with and organize communities, programs, and researchers throughout my life – from public meals to…

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Dee Powers

Lived Experience Expert Dee Powers is a dynamic and compassionate housing justice activist, celebrated for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the unhoused. Their dedication to the cause was recognized when they were honored as the Real Change 2021 Change Agent of the Year, a testament to their significant contributions to the community. Powers embodies the spirit of service and advocacy, combining their skills as a public speaker and helper to support those in need. Their work at the Dearborn encampment on January 28th showcases their hands-on approach and resilience. Dee organized activists early in the morning to assist nearly…

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Victoria Liou-Johnson, PhD

Trauma-informed Care Specialist and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Victoria Liou-Johnson holds a BA in American Literature, a MS in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Gerontology, and a PhD in clinical psychology with neuropsychology emphasis. Her research interests include traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disease, non-invasive treatment modalities, racial/ethnic and gender outcome differences, barriers to care, and health equity. Dr. Liou-Johnson is licensed in multiple states and runs a small private telehealth practice focused on trauma treatment for Indigenous and underserved populations. She also enjoys mentoring students and trainees from underrepresented groups through various professional societies and teaching in graduate clinical psychology programs.

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Emily Uyeda Kantrim

Founder and Interim Executive Director of Safe Parking Los Angeles Emily Uyeda Kantrim, the interim executive director of Safe Parking LA, has a career characterized by remarkable achievements in addressing homelessness and leading a groundbreaking response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, Kantrim began her journey as an advocate for safe parking strategies to address the rapidly growing number of people and families in Los Angeles County whose only source of shelter is their vehicle. Collaborating with Safe Parking LA’s founders, she played a pivotal role in effecting local policy changes that allowed community-based agencies to provide safe parking services.…

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Sam Lutzker

Research Assistant Sam Lutzker is a PhD candidate in Sociology at UCLA. His research focuses on homelessness and vehicle residency in the US, using ethnographic participant observation, interviews, surveys, and archival research. Sam is a collaborative researcher who co-authored several reports on homelessness and co-founded Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid. He has also written about state and city-level homeless policies for various publications. Sam co-founded the Urban Sociology Working Group at UCLA and enjoys mentoring undergraduates.

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Brandon Johnson, PhD

Data Analyst Dr. Brandon Johnson is currently a Scientist at the University of Hawaii Diabetes Research Center, where he works on novel therapeutic approaches to improve sustained kidney health. Dr. Johnson completed his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He has taught at several undergraduate institutions with majority first-generation and underrepresented student populations in California and Hawaii. He spearheaded and led teams of administrators and faculty to earn Title III designations for increasing resources for students with need-based assistance, and was awarded a $1.3 M, five-year Title III grant to increase first-year retention rates…

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Ren Tighe

Ren Tighe serves as the virtual assistant at DRVR Consulting, LLC. Having previously resided on a historical tugboat docked in a city marina and later living abroad in Amsterdam, Ren brings firsthand urban insights to their work. Alongside parenting three adventurous children, Ren finds joy in writing fantasy novels, playing tabletop games, and caring for backyard chickens. On beautiful days, Ren can be found designing and building furniture, chicken coops, and yardscapes. Woodworking, landscaping, construction, and various forms of art are integral to achieving their goal of building a healthier home and community through sustainable, small-scale projects. With an architecture…

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