Benjamin Henwood

Benjamin Henwood, PhD, MSW is the Frances L. and Albert G. Feldman Professor of Social Policy and Health at the University of Southern California (USC). He directs the Center for Homelessness, Housing and Health Equity Research at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and holds a secondary appointment in the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. His research focuses on housing and health equity for marginalized populations, with expertise in Housing First policies and interventions for vulnerable groups.

Education: PhD (2011) and MSW (2004) from New York University, MA (1999) from Swarthmore College, and BA (1997) from an unspecified institution. He has led major initiatives like the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness and serves as methodological lead for the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

Research interests include homelessness prevention, housing policy integration, and aging populations in supportive housing. His work bridges clinical interventions and policy, emphasizing data-driven solutions to systemic issues.

Notable awards include the Slavin-Patti Award (2020) and Sterling K. Franklin Award (2017). He has secured funding from the NIH, NSF, and private foundations like the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. His lab collaborates with community organizations to translate research into actionable policies.

Current roles include directing the Homelessness Policy Research Institute and advising policymakers on housing equity. He actively mentors students and researchers in social work and public health disciplines.