Homelessness - Core Insights

If the goal is to move our cities in the direction of prosperity, we cannot accomplish it when a portion of our population is homeless. Government subsidies and temporary shelters are not a lasting solution to this issue, but affordable housing can be. 

We accomplish this goal over the long term by allowing for greater housing flexibility, adaptability, and options. Zoning laws should be adjusted to once again allow for small housing options like micro apartments, tiny homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and single-room occupancies (SROs)—all of which used to be permitted and present in most cities across North America. Occupancy restrictions which limit the amount of people who can reside in a given dwelling should also be relaxed.

In general, greater housing flexibility will enable more people to live affordably in the neighborhoods of their choosing, which will ease up on the financial pressures that limit access for people with lower incomes. The majority of homeless people are in a temporary situation of housing loss due to income or circumstances related to poverty (and a small portion are "chronically homeless" because of physical and/or mental disability).  

We must build our cities in a way that does not squander precious, desirable land for low-value uses like parking and big box stores, but instead puts that land to its fullest purpose.  Doing so will not only create more housing options and affordability, it will also build up a stronger tax base to provide for the portion of unhoused people who truly need ongoing supportive services.

Six Core Priorities

• First, we need to understand that homelessness is not just a housing issue, but a complex problem intertwined with mental health, addiction, and economic instability. It requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach.
• Second, we need to shift our perspective from treating homelessness as a problem to be solved to viewing it as a symptom of deeper systemic issues. This means addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, income inequality, and inadequate social services.
• Third, we need to foster a culture of compassion and understanding. Homeless individuals are part of our community and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This can be achieved through public education and advocacy.
• Fourth, we need to prioritize affordable housing. This can be done by reforming zoning laws to allow for a greater diversity of housing types and densities, fostering a community of incremental developers, and leveraging local government financing tools to kickstart the construction of affordable housing units.
• Fifth, we need to strengthen our social safety nets. This includes improving access to mental health services, addiction treatment, job training programs, and other social services that can help individuals transition out of homelessness.
• Finally, we need to engage the community in the solution. This can be done by organizing volunteer efforts, fostering partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, and creating opportunities for community members to interact with and support homeless individuals.
• Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness. Each community is unique and requires a tailored approach. But by following these steps, cities can make significant strides in addressing homelessness and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Unpacking that Fourth Priority Further

How do we prioritize affordable housing? There are three key strategies: reforming zoning laws, fostering a community of incremental developers, and leveraging local government financing tools.

Reforming zoning laws is a critical first step. Many cities have zoning laws that limit the types of housing that can be built, often favoring large, expensive single-family homes. By reforming these laws to allow for a greater diversity of housing types and densities, we can increase the supply of affordable housing. This can include everything from tiny homes and accessory dwelling units to apartment buildings and co-housing communities.

Next, we need to foster a community of incremental developers. These are local individuals or small businesses that build small-scale projects. Incremental developers can fill in the gaps left by large developers, creating affordable housing options that are well-integrated into existing neighborhoods. They also tend to be more responsive to local needs and more invested in the long-term success of the community.

Finally, we need to leverage local government financing tools to kickstart the construction of affordable housing units. Many cities have programs to incentivize affordable housing development, but these often favor large developers and result in housing that is affordable in name only. By redirecting these incentives towards incremental developers and truly affordable projects, we can create a more diverse and resilient housing market.

Moreover, local governments can also play a significant role in financing affordable housing. They can provide low-interest loans, tax incentives, or even direct subsidies to support the development of affordable housing. However, it's crucial that these tools are used wisely. They should be targeted towards projects that will truly benefit the community and contribute to its long-term financial health.

In addition, local governments can also support affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers. This can include streamlining the permitting process, reducing parking requirements, or even providing technical assistance to help small developers navigate the development process.

Lastly, it's important to remember that affordable housing is not just about providing shelter. It's also about building strong, resilient communities. Affordable housing should be integrated into the community, not isolated in separate developments. It should be close to jobs, schools, and other amenities, and it should be designed in a way that contributes to the overall character and vitality of the neighborhood.