Basic Housing Quality Standards (2025) by Keith Torkelson – Derived Assessment Tool – 51 Items
Torkel Saga Version
Related Instruments
Bed Quality
Help Line Triage Process
Housing and Living Arrangement Needs
Housing Needs Assessment
Housing Quality Scale (Beta V02)
Roommate Matching
-Roommate Negotiations
Satisfaction with Housing
Summary
>We here at Mentalation Solutions Group (MSG) derived (created) a Basic Housing Quality Standard (BHQS 51 Items) Scale. For May 26, 2025, we scored Keith Torkelson’s Rent a Shared Room (RASR) association with John Baer. With the BHQS assessment, low scores are favorable (LSF). The result is 46.6%. For February 12, 2018, we scored Keith Torkelson’s association with Rochester Cannon, his RASR roommate. The result was 53.3%. For November 17, 2025, we scored Keith living alone, his score is 23.0%.
Who?
We write this paper to better inform our readers how far we have come with helping disadvantaged people, including the homeless, secure great housing and living arrangements.
Where?
>We address issues in Orange County, California. Our solution we call a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB). We have submitted our HSB project idea to the Orange County, California Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Housing Interventions Workgroup. If they don’t get around to vetting our HSB by the end of 2025, we will most likely go public with it. We are also going to direct the idea towards the local call center, OC LINKS.
What?
>In this paper, we address our derived Basic Housing Quality Standard (Scale – BHQS). It contains 51 Items. It is not proven or complete. It is the framework for a promising assessment tool. We score it in conjunction with our Binary Plus Scoring Method (B+SM).
Why?
>Again, we are working on project for the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA). It involves better assisting our disadvantaged people, such as: The Homeless, the incarcerated, those in the hospital, etc. We are working to quantify the impact housing has on costs to serve these people. Each rescue costs a different amount - some exorbitantly costly others inexpensive. The cost per housing intervention eludes us. The subject, Keith “Buster” Torkelson, as of September 1, 2025 (M), has finally landed in a Good Bed. Here and in other papers, we differentiate a Bad Bed from a Good Bed. Housing quality contributes to the Behavioral Health Consumers' Health, Quality of Life, Satisfaction, and more.
How?
>These papers we write and publish (share) are not designed to be perfect. As one of our mentors told us, “You do not have to be superb in everything that you do”. Our papers are designed to teach or train Artificial Intelligence Systems (AISs) and help others, and ourselves make informed decisions. In addition, we publish some of our papers via Google Blogger for the purpose of Digital Preservation.
Results Up Front
Basic Housing Quality Standard (BHQS) – Derived – 51 Items
>The first assessment score below was scored by Keith Torkelson in association with his shared roommate, Rochester Cannon (RC). In hindsight, we scored him too low. For this assessment, low scores are favorable (LSF). We categorize this study under Shared Housing and Group Residences. Overall, we compare sharing a room with Rochester Cannon to John Baer (JB, 2025). The subject or scorer is Keith “Buster” Torkelson. On May 26, 2025, we scored Buster in association with John Baer. We gave JB 46.6%. In hindsight, we scored him too high. Remember, low scores are favorable. Twenty-three percent for our solo experience is acceptable. One of the main shortfalls is that the rent is too much, being about 70% of Buster’s income.
JB = John Baer | LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | RC = Rochester Cannon | RT = Real Time | SPMI = Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill | SS = Self-score | SW = Share (s) With
Basic Housing Quality Standards (BHQS) – Derived – 51 Items
The assessment score below was scored by Keith Torkelson in association with (RC) Rochester Cannon. Both Keith and Rochester C. resided in a shared room at Shanks Truck Stop in Santa Ana, California. LSF = Low scores are favorable. We categorize this study under Shared Housing and Group Residences. Note: Rochester died too young (DTY) and miserably after suffering for more than a year.
Work Done > Metadata >
https://ktork46.blogspot.com/2017/03/wounded-warrior-basalt-presented-by.html
Rochester Our Wounded Warrior
Scored by Keith Torkelson, MS, BS
Basic Housing Quality Assessment – Part A
LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | RT = Real Time | SPMI = Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill | SS = Self-score | SW = Share (s) With
Basic Housing Quality Standards (BHQS) – Derived
Basic Housing Quality Assessment – Part B – 24 Items
Scored by Keith Torkelson, MS, BS
LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | RT = Real Time | SPMI = Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill | SS = Self-score | SW = Share (s) With
Basic Housing Quality Standards (BHQS) – Derived – 51 Items
The assessment score below was scored by Keith Torkelson in a sharing association with John Baer (JB). Both Keith and John (JB) reside (d) sharing a room at Harvest Retirement. During August of 2025, John passed away. We categorize this study as Shared Housing and Group Residences
Scored by and for Keith Torkelson, MS, BS
Basic Housing Quality Assessment 24 Items – Part A
LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | RT = Real Time | SPMI = Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill | SS = Self-score | SW = Share (s) With
Basic Housing Quality Standards (BHQS) – Derived
Scored by and for Keith Torkelson, MS, BS
Basic Housing Quality Assessment 24 Items – Part B
Basic Housing Quality Standards (BHQS) – Derived
Scored by and for Keith Torkelson, MS, BS
Basic Housing Quality Assessment 24 Items – Part B
LSF = Low Scores are Favorable | RT = Real Time | SPMI = Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill | SS = Self-score | SW = Share (s) With
Discussion
FYI - Housing quality and mental health
https://imhcn.org/bibliography/life-domains/housing/
Evans, Gary W.; Wells, Nancy M.; Chan, Hoi-Yan Erica; Saltzman, Heidi Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 68(3), Jun 2000, 526-53
Psychosocial Processes
This study examined the potential link between housing quality and mental health. First, the development of a psychometrically sound, observer-based instrument to assess physical housing quality in ways conceptually relevant to psychological health is reported. Then, 2 different studies, including a prospective longitudinal design, demonstrate that physical housing quality predicts mental health. Possible underlying psychosocial processes for the housing quality–psychological distress link are discussed.
Psychosocial Processes
Psychosocial processes encompass the complex interactions between an individual's internal psychological state and external social factors, shaping their thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. These processes influence how individuals cope with life, form relationships, and navigate societal expectations.
Physical Housing Quality
>Torkelson (Buster) knows from lived experience that housing affects health. Once one becomes an older adult, we finds it harder to get out of the house. More and more, one needs services and supports within walking distance. Most of our external social factors are those right around the house in the local neighborhood (the corner). Torkelson is lucky he lives on the corner: Within walking distance are the: Bus stops, grocery stores, ATM, gym, his dentist, etc. The derived assessment we include here is not psychometrically sound. Evans, et al. (2000) indicate there may be a link between quality of housing and behavioral health.
Key points from the report include
Derived from Evans et al. (2000)
FYI - Housing Quality and Mental Health
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10883571/
By GW Evans · 2000 - APA PsycNET
Housing Quality - Correlation
>Evans, GW (2000) indicates that housing quality is linked with psychological distress. In this paper, we addressed a derived housing quality assessment (Torkelson, K.E. (2018)). We assess housing at three different time points. Therefore, we are assessing longitudinally. We call the assessment a Housing Quality Standard Scale (HQSS), and it has 51 items. Our HQSS is an observer-based instrument. The subject, Keith Edward “Buster” Torkelson, is Behaviorally Health Challenged (BHC). To continue to make progress addressing his symptoms, we desire to uncover the quality of his housing and how that has impacted his life’s journey. This is just a part of our pursuit.
FYI - APA PsycNET
http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ccp/68/3/526.pdf
By GW Evans · 2000 - 5 pages
FYI - (PDF) Housing and Mental Health – ResearchGate
[REMEMBER TO COPY AND PASTE THE LINK TO RESEARCH GATE]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12434686_Housing_and_mental_health
Oct 22, 2024
Conceptually Relevant
"Conceptually relevant" means relating to or concerned with concepts, ideas, or abstract principles rather than concrete details or specific facts. In simpler terms, it's about the importance of abstract ideas or understanding the "why" behind something rather than just the "what".
Homeless Outreach
>Our records indicate we have had an interest in the homeless and homelessness since 2001. We began with a study about getting an education for homeless kids. We have been helping the homeless since 2010. One of our efforts was documenting their lives photographically. Now, in 2025, Buster is 66 years old and lacks the resources to directly help the homeless. Our final project is a Housing Solutions Bundle (HSB) to help the homeless and other disadvantaged people find a Good Bed.
Why do homeless people prefer homelessness?
Homelessness is rarely a preference, and "choosing" it is a harmful myth. Some individuals may prefer to remain on the streets over shelters due to factors like safety concerns, the inability to bring pets or family members, strict shelter rules, lack of beds, or concerns about their mental health making congregate settings overwhelming. Others may have found a sense of community or routine in their encampments that feels more predictable or safer than the unknown environment of a shelter. The decision to stay in an encampment is often a consequence of systemic failures and limited options, rather than a genuine preference for homelessness itself. Factors like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and limited job opportunities contribute significantly to people experiencing homelessness in the first place.
Encampment
Homeless encampments are locations where one or more homeless people live in an unsheltered area. These encampments can be found on properties owned by private individuals or companies or owned by local, state, and federal governmental agencies.
FYI > Metadata >
Homeless Encampment Reference Guide
What makes for an excellent living arrangement?
An excellent living arrangement provides safety, comfort, and support tailored to an individual's needs, preferences, and budget, while also ensuring accessibility to amenities and social connections. Key factors include appropriate levels of care and services, a convenient location with access to healthcare and transportation, financial affordability, and a comfortable, familiar environment that promotes well-being.
Appendix – Roommate Negotiations
What John Baer and Keith Torkelson Agree Upon
1.00 = Yes & & 0.50 = SoSo & 0.00 = No
High Scores are Favorable
## | Items
| Agreement | 2025 0228 (F-RT) |
01 | Blinds | Open or Closed | 1.00 |
02 | Center light | None | 1.00 |
03 | Contain coughing | Best we can | 1.00 |
04 | Conversation | Talk a lot | 1.00 |
05 | Desk light(s) | Dim | 1.00 |
06 | Door | Slightly open while here | 1.00 |
07 | Down time in the day | As Needed (Peaceful) | 1.00 |
08 | Earplugs | As Needed | 0.75 |
09 | Getting out of the room | Both did it a lot | 1.00 |
10 | Headphones | Always | 1.00 |
11 | In and out the back door | No | 1.00 |
12 | Lights at night | None | 1.00 |
13 | Loaner items | Such as tools - OK | 1.00 |
14 | Locking the front door | When not here | 1.00 |
15 | Matching | We were an excellent match | 0.95 |
16 | Natural light | Yes | 1.00 |
17 | Next door noises | Out of our control | 1.00 |
18 | Phone calls | Not too loud and keep them short | 1.00 |
19 | Quiet time | All the time | 1.00 |
20 | Repairs | As needed | 1.00 |
21 | Cigarette Smoking | Both yes - outside | 1.00 |
22 | Sleep | A high priority | 1.00 |
23 | Sliding glass window | Open or closed | 1.00 |
24 | Temperature | Cool | 1.00 |
25 | Towel | Each have own | 1.00 |
26 | TV | Prefer a small screen, such as a phone or tablet | 1.00 |
27 | Upstairs noises | Out of our control | 1.00 |
28 | Wake up | Alarm OK sometimes | 1.00 |
29 | Office Noises | Such as printer OK | 1.00 |
|
| CALC | =28.7/29 |
|
| Roommate Matching Score = | 99% |
Images @ the End
