Graham Pruss

Project Coordinator, Project on Family Homelessness

Research Fellow, Seattle Vehicle Residency Research Program 

 Graham Pruss uses anthropological research to educate policy makers and assist programs that address homelessness.  He works as Chair of the Ballard Community Taskforce on Homelessness & Hunger and is the founder and director of a weekly hot food service. He is recognized as an expert on the growing phenomenon of people living in their cars, also known as vehicle residency.  His work on vehicle residency has been featured on National Public Radio’s weekday program, “All Things Considered,” as well as in the Seattle Times and on KUOW, Puget Sound Public Radio.

A former project manager in hardware and software development, marketing and content creation, Graham uses a unique mix of business and research methodologies to help improve advocacy and public awareness.  Graham’s research focuses on collaboration between public, private, and faith-based organizations to address marginalized people, particularly those living within vehicles. 

Graham’s focus on improving social service availability and access began long ago. In the early 1990s, he lived on the streets of the Bay Area and in group housing for troubled teens, and received public support as a teenage parent. The “hand-up” created real change, providing tools necessary to develop a career and, later, further his education at the University of Washington (UW).  His UW honors thesis was granted the prestigious Wienker Award for outstanding work. 

As a Seattle University Research Fellow, Graham led the 2012 Seattle University Vehicle Residency Research Project and presented its Advisory Report to Seattle City Council Health, Human Services, Housing and Culture Committee in fall 2012.  The study will expand in spring 2013.