UToledo Cannon Lecture Series: Homelessness Services at a Crossroads

Housing First (HF) is increasingly at the center of national debate. The president’s executive order on homelessness, “Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets,” calls for eliminating funding for Housing First and permanent housing programs, while expanding law enforcement and mandated treatment approaches. This policy direction stands in sharp contrast to two decades of research demonstrating the effectiveness of HF in reducing homelessness and improving outcomes.

This presentation will explore: 1) the competing policy narratives shaping the national debate over Housing First; 2) the legal, ethical, and practical consequences of replacing housing solutions with enforcement-based approaches; and 3) lessons from communities that have successfully scaled Housing First system-wide.

Dr. Sam Tsemberis is the founder and developer of the Housing First model, built on the belief that housing is a basic human right. His groundbreaking approach has transformed homelessness services and been adopted in cities across the United States and around the world.