Discrete Event Simulation to Evaluate Shelter Capacity Expansion Options for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth

TL;DR

This paper develops a Discrete Event Simulation model to evaluate capacity expansion options for an LGBTQ+ youth shelter in NYC, aiming to improve services and reduce vulnerabilities among homeless youth.

Contribution

It introduces a DES model for shelter operations, incorporating capacity expansion scenarios, to inform policy decisions and improve support for LGBTQ+ homeless youth.

Findings

Adding beds increases service capacity and reduces unmet demand.

Expanding psychiatric therapists improves mental health support.

Simulation results support policy decisions for capacity planning.

Abstract

The New York City (NYC) youth shelter system provides housing, counseling, and other support services to runaway and homeless youth and young adults (RHY). These resources reduce RHYs vulnerability to human trafficking, yet most shelters are unable to meet demand. This paper presents a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model of a crisis-emergency and drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth in NYC, which aims to analyze the current operations and test potential capacity expansion interventions. The model uses data from publicly available resources and interviews with service providers and key stakeholders. The simulated shelter has 66 crisis-emergency beds, offers five different support services, and serves on average 1,399 LGBTQ+ RHY per year. The capacity expansion interventions examined in this paper are adding crisis-emergency beds and psychiatric therapists. This application of DES serves as a tool to communicate with policymakers, funders, and service providers potentially having a strong humanitarian impact.