Top Policy Recommendations for Ending Homelessness in the U.S.

Homelessness in America is a crisis that demands urgent and comprehensive action. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States faces a staggering number of individuals and families without a safe place to call home. The causes of homelessness are multifaceted, ranging from economic instability to mental health challenges, and addressing this issue requires a coordinated effort across federal, state, and local levels. For families experiencing homelessness, the impact can be particularly devastating, disrupting children’s education, health, and overall well-being. To effectively combat this crisis, we must implement a set of robust policy recommendations that target both the root causes and the immediate needs of those affected.

1. Increase Affordable Housing Supply

The most pressing need in the fight against homelessness is the creation of more affordable housing. Housing prices across the country have skyrocketed, far outpacing income growth, and leaving millions of families unable to afford rent or mortgage payments. Without stable housing, families are left vulnerable to a cycle of poverty and instability. Policymakers should prioritize:

• Expanding Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC): This program incentivizes private developers to build affordable housing by offering tax credits. Expanding LIHTC can significantly increase the availability of affordable rental units, particularly in high-demand areas where families are most at risk.
• Funding for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF): The NHTF provides grants to states to build, rehabilitate, and operate rental housing for extremely low-income families. Increased funding can directly address the severe shortage of affordable housing, helping to stabilize communities.
• Zoning Reform: Local governments should be encouraged to reform restrictive zoning laws that limit the construction of multifamily housing, particularly in high-demand urban areas. Such reforms can unlock the potential for higher-density housing that accommodates more families.

Real-life Example: In Miami, the “Miami Homes for All” initiative focuses on creating affordable housing through public-private partnerships. By leveraging city-owned land and collaborating with private developers, the initiative has successfully created more affordable housing units for low-income families. This approach demonstrates how local governments can work with private entities to address the housing crisis and can be adapted by other cities facing similar challenges.

2. Strengthen Supportive Housing Programs

For many families, especially those dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues, supportive housing is a critical component of stability. Supportive housing combines affordable housing with on-site services such as counseling, health care, and job training. These services are essential for helping families maintain stability and avoid returning to homelessness. Key recommendations include:

• Increasing Funding for Supportive Housing Programs: Programs like the Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Supportive Housing Program (SHP) provide essential services that help individuals and families maintain stable housing. Expanding these programs can reduce the number of families cycling in and out of homelessness.
• Integration of Services: Encouraging partnerships between housing providers, mental health organizations, and social services can create a more cohesive support network for families in need. This integrated approach ensures that families receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive.

Real-life Example: Carrfour Supportive Housing in Florida uses a “Housing First” model that prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions, along with access to services for mental health, substance use, and employment. This model has been highly effective in reducing chronic homelessness and could be replicated in other cities.

3. Expand Emergency Assistance Programs

Preventing homelessness before it starts is crucial. Short-term financial crises, such as job loss or medical emergencies, often push families into homelessness. Expanding emergency assistance programs can provide the necessary support to prevent these situations from spiraling into long-term homelessness:

• Rental Assistance Programs: Expanding programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help families cover rent during temporary financial hardships, preventing eviction and subsequent homelessness. These programs offer a critical lifeline for families at risk of losing their homes.
• Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Programs: These programs provide financial assistance and services to prevent homelessness for at-risk families and to quickly rehouse those who have become homeless. Scaling up these programs is essential for reducing the overall number of homeless families.

Real-life Example: In Los Angeles, the “Rapid Re-Housing Program” has successfully helped thousands of families avoid homelessness by providing short-term rental assistance and supportive services. This program has been instrumental in reducing family homelessness in the city and highlights the importance of preventive measures.

4. Address Economic Inequality

Economic instability is a major driver of homelessness. Policies that address income inequality and provide economic security for families are fundamental to any long-term solution to homelessness:

• Increasing the Minimum Wage: Raising the federal minimum wage to a livable level can ensure that full-time workers can afford basic necessities, including housing. A higher minimum wage reduces the financial strain on low-income families and decreases the likelihood of homelessness.
• Expanding Access to Child Care: Affordable child care allows parents, particularly single parents, to work and earn a stable income. Expanding child care subsidies and access to early childhood education can help reduce the financial burden on low-income families, making it easier for them to maintain housing stability.
• Strengthening Unemployment Insurance: Expanding unemployment benefits and making them more accessible can provide a critical safety net for families facing job loss. Enhanced unemployment insurance ensures that families do not fall into homelessness due to temporary economic setbacks.

Real-life Example: In Washington State, the “Working Connections Child Care” program offers subsidized child care for low-income families, enabling parents to work or attend school. This program has significantly reduced the economic pressures on families and contributed to greater housing stability.

5. Enhance Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Mental health and substance abuse issues are significant factors in homelessness, particularly for individuals and families with a history of trauma or chronic illness. Enhancing access to these services is vital:

• Expanding Medicaid Coverage: Ensuring that Medicaid covers comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment can help address the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness. Expanding coverage can make a significant difference for families who otherwise would not have access to these critical services.
• Community-Based Care: Investing in community mental health centers and substance abuse programs can provide accessible and ongoing support for families in need. These centers can offer tailored services that address the unique challenges faced by homeless families, promoting long-term stability.

Real-life Example: The “San Antonio Mental Health Coalition” in Texas offers a collaborative model that brings together local mental health services, law enforcement, and housing providers to support individuals experiencing homelessness. This community-based approach has proven effective in reducing homelessness and improving mental health outcomes.

6. Invest in Data and Research

Effective policy requires accurate data and research to identify needs, track progress, and adjust strategies accordingly:

• Improving Data Collection: Enhancing data collection methods at the local, state, and federal levels can provide a clearer picture of homelessness and help target resources more effectively. Reliable data is crucial for developing and implementing policies that address the root causes of homelessness.
• Supporting Research on Best Practices: Funding research on successful interventions and best practices can help scale up the most effective programs nationwide. Continuous research allows policymakers to refine strategies and ensure that resources are used efficiently.

Real-life Example: The “Homeless Management Information System” (HMIS) used by cities like Miami has improved data tracking and helped city officials better allocate resources to the most effective programs. This system serves as a model for other cities looking to enhance their data collection and policy-making processes.

Conclusion

Ending homelessness, especially among families, is not just a moral imperative but a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that every American has the opportunity to live with dignity and stability. By implementing these policy recommendations—expanding affordable housing, strengthening supportive services, and addressing economic inequality—we can make significant strides toward eradicating homelessness in our communities. Policymakers, advocates, and citizens must work together to build a future where every family has a safe, stable place to call home.

Real-life Call to Action: It’s not enough to be informed—action is required. Contact your local representatives to express your support for these policies, volunteer with local organizations that support homeless families, or donate to causes that are working to end homelessness. Together, we can make a difference.