Associate Dean Ryan Allen, partnering with Hennepin County through the Hennepin–University Partnership (HUP), studied how migrant and non-migrant families used shelters and identified strategies that could improve outcomes for both families and the county.

Hennepin County is one of the few counties nationwide with a "shelter-all" policy, guaranteeing space for any family that requests it. The number of asylum-seeking families in emergency shelters has grown in recent years, likely influenced by recent policy changes. These families often face legal and labor barriers that slow their transition to permanent housing.

The researchers showcased their results in a webinar titled, "Understanding Trends in Asylum-Seekers' Use of Hennepin County's Emergency Shelter System."