Morning Wire A New Approach to Homelessness
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Nov 29, 2025 
Michelle Steeb, an author and homelessness policy expert, joins to tackle America's rising homelessness crisis. She highlights the failures of the 'Housing First' approach, arguing that housing alone without support services isn't enough. Steeb sheds light on the Trump administration's executive order aimed at prioritizing treatment and addressing encampments. Additionally, she examines the reasons behind California's high unsheltered population, citing mental illness, addiction, and trauma as underlying factors.
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Housing First's One-Size Failure
- The federal 'Housing First' policy prioritized permanent housing with no conditions and cut funding for treatment and services.
- Michelle Steeb argues this one-size approach lacked evidence and coincided with a nationwide rise in homelessness.
Promise Versus Outcome
- The Obama administration promised to end homelessness in a decade but homelessness increased by roughly 35% over 12 years.
- Steeb uses this to argue that Housing First did not achieve its promised outcomes.
Fund Treatment Alongside Housing
- Reprioritize federal funding toward mental-health and addiction treatment delivered alongside housing in varied forms.
- Steeb endorses pairing transitional housing and treatment rather than unconditional permanent housing for life.
