Journeys Out of Homelessness: The Voices of Lived Experience

Antipoverty advocates Burnes (Ending Homelessness) and Rife present nine case studies of people who have lived through, and emerged from, being homeless in this deliberate, policy-driven account. Identified by first names only, the individuals represent distinct versions of homelessness: for example, teenager Tim left his abusive father and “couch-surfed” (which Rife and Burnes consider a form of homelessness) until he was taken in by a foster family; Marie’s parents were unable to navigate public assistance programs due to mental health and substance abuse issues and her family cycled between motels and relatives’ houses for years; military veteran Leanne lost her job and home in the 2008 economic downturn. Rife and Burnes analyze each story to identify crucial factors that help people to secure stable housing. The authors’ solutions include “housing first” models that provide stability as people search for jobs and address addiction and mental health issues; using “human capital” to form support networks; client-centered approaches that listen to individuals’ own assessments of their needs; and a new cultural understanding that poverty and homelessness aren’t indicative of personal failings, but can happen to anyone. The policy suggestions are cogently presented and strengthened by their close connection to individual success stories. This commonsense guide is full of insights for policy makers and social workers confronting the problem of homelessness. (Jan.)