Divising and Applying a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Model for the Evaluation of the Centre Capacity Expansion Options for LGBTQ+ and Homeless Youth

Bahisht Samar

Vol. 8, Issue 1, Jan-Dec 2022

Page Number: 88 - 103

Abstract:

The New York City (NYC) youth shelter system provides housing, counselling, and other support services to run away and homeless youth and young adults (RHY). These resources reduce RHY’s 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 analyse 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.

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