KQED's Forum In Search of Home Part 1: How to Prevent Homelessness
Sep 16, 2025
Rob Collinson, an assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame, discusses effective strategies to prevent homelessness. He emphasizes that keeping people housed is more economical and less traumatic than providing aid after they've lost their homes. The conversation explores innovative community initiatives, the dynamics between landlords and tenants, and the importance of addressing root causes like financial instability and health crises. With insights from real-life experiences, the discussion highlights systemic solutions that can make a significant impact in combating homelessness.
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Prevention Is The Core Solution
- Homelessness prevention is the most obvious and humane solution to the crisis.
- Keeping people housed costs less and avoids the trauma of losing a home.
Give Flexible Cash To Fix Crises
- Target flexible cash assistance to the specific needs that will resolve a household's crisis.
- Provide payments for debts, car repairs, or childcare as appropriate to keep families housed.
Target The Tipping Point
- Effective prevention requires targeting those at the tipping point of homelessness.
- A screening tool helps isolate the most vulnerable so limited funds help those most likely to lose housing.
