Sam Tsemberis

Sam Tsemberis, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Pathways Housing First Institute, shares his insights on the critical issue of homelessness. He discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from the Housing First approach to punitive measures. Tsemberis highlights the importance of stable housing as a foundation for recovery and critiques the dangers of moving funding away from housing to treatment. He underscores the proven successes of Housing First and advocates for a compassionate, systemic change in addressing homelessness.

Sam Tsemberis, a psychologist who transformed approaches to homelessness in New York City, shares his revolutionary Housing First model. He recounts the struggles of individuals experiencing homelessness and the importance of understanding their specific needs. Tsemberis highlights the shift towards compassionate support, illustrating how immediate access to housing—without prerequisites—has changed lives. The conversation also touches on the ongoing challenges within the system, including funding shortages and the impact of structural racism on homelessness.