… To end with a hint of optimism, at least we know what works, at least it’s clear what is causing the rise in homelessness—even if elected officials pretend otherwise. And we also know what works to get people back into housing—even if elected officials are killing these programs.

Housing First has proven effective. HUD and the US Department of Veterans Affairs were finding major success getting veterans into permanent housing with this approach.

And if the eviction to prison pipeline is shut down, real progress could be made in ending the national disgrace of hundreds of thousands of Americans sleeping on the streets. Unfortunately there is almost zero discussion of this by either of the two parties we’re gifted with in the “greatest democracy in the history of the world.”

To fill that void some Americans are just maybe starting to organize to do something about it themselves. We’ll look at those efforts next week.