Ending Homelessness: What is to Be Done

Collaboration and the Possibilities for Engaging Precarity: Discussion with Nicholas Pleace

Nicholas Pleace from York University in the UK, the European Observatory on Homelessness and the European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) joints the podcast. The challenges, possibilities, and complexities of addressing homelessness, exploring the impact of political will, capitalism, and social housing and the importance of international collaborations and reimagining housing solutions to create social conditions for thriving and community connection are explored. The conversation explores the nature of homelessness, the challenges in addressing it, and the specific issue of immigrant homelessness in the EU. It also explores the impact of housing and class inequality and the need for change in societal attitudes and policies. The impact of political will and policy on homelessness is significant to consider as are common sense understandings. The shortcomings of simply hoping that more evidence from research will overcome common sense is explored. And the discussion considers the need to better negotiate the role of capitalism and neoliberalism in housing insecurity and homelessness towards producing more equality, less precarity, and more housing stability.

Discussion with Rob Robinson on Challenging Dominant Narratives

This in the first in a planned series of discussions between Vin Lyon-Callo and Rob Robinson. The conversation explores the different experiences of a former shelter staff member and formerly homeless person to both come to understand the systemic nature of homelessness. Challenging dominant narratives and common sense is represented as essential to begin building the efforts needed to change the structures of inequality producing homelessness and housing insecurities for so many people. The benefits of comparative understandings gained through working in international contexts is considered. Next month's topic of exploring the right to the street, the right to shelter, and the right to housing is introduced.

Housing Precarity, Informality, and Engaged Ethnography: Discussion with Deyanira Nevarez Martinez

Dr. Deyanira Nevarez-Martinez from MIchigan State University discusses her journey into urban planning and housing research, addressing issues of housing precarity, informality, Latinx housing insecurities, racial segregation, and the criminalization of poverty. The discussion also explores the challenges of community engagement and collaboration in ethnographic research. The complexities of homelessness, the societal attitudes towards it, and the need for public housing are explored. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by academics in engaging in impactful work and the possibilities broader community engagement. Housing precarity and homelessness are complex issues that require a multi-faceted approach. The criminalization of poverty and homelessness perpetuates systemic inequality and social injustice. Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that requires a real housing-first approach.

Prevention, Complicating "NIMBY", and the impacts of Loneliness: Discussion with Dr. Erin Dej

The widespread homelessness that we see in Canada and the US today was created by social policies and human practices influenced by neoliberal logics since the 1990s in both nations promoting individualization, marketization, and privatization. Our discussion emphasizes that acknowledging that gives the hope that a different world without homelessness can also be produced. Dr. Erin Dej joins the podcast to discuss her work on homelessness, the focus on collaboration, and the impact of the Homelessness Industrial Complex. She also explores the challenges of prevention and the need for dialogue with community members and understanding in addressing homelessness. The conversation delves into the challenges of addressing homelessness, the impact of what is sometimes referred to as NIMBYism, and the need for systemic change if we hope to end homelessness. It also highlights the importance of community connections and the role of neoliberalism in shaping societal attitudes. Attention is focused upon Erin Dej's recent documentary film "Bridging Divides" and book "A Complex Exile"

Housing, Eviction, Criminalization in Indiana with Rabbi Aaron Spiegel

The state of Indiana passed a law criminalizing unhoused people "camping" in public in 2026. This legislative effort was the impetus for our discussion. The conversation explores the challenges of homelessness in Indianapolis, focusing on the city's growth, income inequality, the ease of evictions in the state, and the impact of private equity firms buying much rental housing. It also explores the Housing First approach, criminalization of homelessness, and the need for coordinated efforts to address the issue. Systemic issues surrounding homelessness including race and class relations, affordable housing, and the impact of policies and attitudes on vulnerable populations are critically analyzed. The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to address the root causes of housing insecurity and homelessness. The discussion ends with a consideration of the spiritual and religious dimensions of responding to homelessness and recognizing our common humanity.