Every year, the number of homeless Americans rises: In 2023, 653,000 slept on the streets or in emergency beds provided by nonprofit/government services. Yet every year, we increase funding and resources for this population. Why, then, do we have such an ever-worsening epidemic? What can we, as concerned Americans, and our leaders do to stem the tide?

This two part series will include: A brief history of the homeless, from the “hobos” of the Great Depression through the rise of homelessness in the 70s to today’s tipping point; a look at the two chief but conflicting policy approaches to the problem: Treatment First under the Bush Administration to Housing First since the Obama years; and a framework for weighing two very real competing concerns: Civil liberties---do the homeless have a “right” to remain homeless?---versus the public safety and health of all citizens.

This two-part lecture is part of the FABulous Fall Lecture Series and takes place virtually on Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.