Chronic Homelessness: Emergence of a Public Policy
Author(s)
Burt, Martha R.
Abstract
The past two years have witnessed a major shift in public commitment to end chronic homelessness within the next decade. This Article examines the phenomenon of chronic homelessness and its emergence as the focus of a significant policy transformation. It first sets the scene with a brief review of why homelessness remains a significant social problem after twenty years of public and private investment in homeless assistance networks. It then looks at definitions of homelessness in general, and chronic homelessness in particular. With respect to policy, it traces a story that starts with research. Initial research showed that even the most chronic, disabled, street-dwelling homeless people will accept and remain in housing, given the right configuration and the right supportive services. Research on program effectiveness was followed by analyses showing near break-even public costs for providing the housing. The story continues with evidence that the numbers of chronically homeless people who would need housing are within a manageable range. The Article concludes by examining what advocates have done and are still doing with the research evidence, and an overview of public commitments and the effort it will take to assure that they are fulfilled.
