The Results are In! (From the October Reader Survey)
Special Edition: Letters to the Housed | October 27, 2026 | By Paul Asplund | Second Grace LA
Thank you to everyone who answered our first reader survey. You were clear and concise, and I'm already mapping out the next few weeks of articles. Here's what you had to say.
The Topics You Want To Read About
Readers could pick up to three topics. Nonprofit funding cuts and keeping a mission intact under pressure came up more than anything else. The 2028 Olympics and what happens to people living outdoors in Los Angeles came next. Immigration enforcement and housing, and housing policy before 2028, tied for the next spot. Trust-based philanthropy and burnout in service work round out the list.
Bar chart of reader-requested topics. Nonprofit funding cuts ranked first, followed by the 2028 Olympics and people living outdoors in Los Angeles.
Bars show each topic relative to the most-chosen one.
Nonprofit funding cuts and keeping a mission intact under pressure
████████████ Chosen most
The 2028 Olympics and people living outdoors in Los Angeles
██████████░░ Close behind
Immigration enforcement and housing
██████░░░░░░ Next
Housing policy before 2028
██████░░░░░░ Next
Trust-based philanthropy
████░░░░░░░░ Also on your list
Burnout and staying well in service work
████░░░░░░░░ Also on your list
The Formats That Interest You Most
Readers could pick up to two formats, and four were tied for first: interviews with people I should know about, plain-language explainers of policy and funding, practical ideas for your own community or organization, and shorter letters you can read in a few minutes. Stories from people doing the work came next. Longer essays had fewer fans, and I hear you on that!
Bar chart of preferred formats. Interviews, plain-language explainers, practical ideas, and shorter letters are tied for first, followed by stories from people doing the work and longer essays.
Interviews with people I should know about
████████████ Tied for first
Plain-language explainers of policy and funding
████████████ Tied for first
Practical ideas for my own community or organization
████████████ Tied for first
Shorter letters I can read in a few minutes
████████████ Tied for first
Stories from people doing the work
████████░░░░ Next
Longer essays that build an argument over time
████░░░░░░░░ Also on your list
How What You Said Will Shape What You Read
“Funding cuts and the Olympics come first.” Both led your list, so they lead mine.
“Short, plain, and practical.” Expect letters you can read in a few minutes, interviews, and ideas you can use in your own community, alongside the occasional longer essay.
“New questions on the table.” One reader asked about homelessness and neurodiversity. It wasn't on my list, and it is now. I will write about it.
Summary graphic listing three changes: funding cuts and the Olympics come first, shorter and more practical letters, and a new topic on homelessness and neurodiversity.
Your Voice Is Still Welcome
The survey is always open, and your answers shape what comes next. Add your voice anytime. I read every one.
With gratitude,
Paul