Nicole Hayden

The program sheltered thousands during the pandemic, but money — and time — is running out. Only 5% of clients have found a permanent home.

The western Coachella Valley's three overnight homeless shelters have closed, sending nearly 100 individuals back onto the streets amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A woman is seeking shelter from her spouse. A man is disabled. Another has been clean from addiction for 16 years. A mom who lost her job is there with her two kids.

This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Nicole Hayden, a participant in the USC Center for Health Journalism's 2020 California Fellowship, covering homelessness in the Coachella Valley.
Her other stories include:
Palm Springs shelter avoided COVID-19. Homeless say they need more t

Uninsured Californians have traditionally had few options when a mental health crisis strikes, but advocates throughout the state are working to change that

One question going forward is whether more centrist and independent voters will come to share concerns voiced by Republicans in the state.

Although the vast majority of individuals experiencing homelessness qualify for Medi-Cal, many fail to enroll and go without the care they need

Direct Primary Care allows patients to pay a membership fee for basic health services, but it does not include coverage for major medical situations

A truck driver’s battle over bills for emergency care and lab tests shines a spotlight on failure of nonprofit hospitals to offer uninsured patients “charity care.”