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Safe parking programs are difficult to fund, but sorely needed

Jan 25, 2024
Lawmakers will unveil bipartisan legislation on Thursday that would give federal dollars to overnight parking programs for people living in their vehicles.
A man prepares to sleep in a Safe Parking LA location in 2019. On Thursday, new legislation will be announced that would put federal dollars toward safe parking programs nationwide.
Kyle Grillot/AFP via Getty Images

Houston has bucked the trend in homelessness. Can it afford to keep it up?

Jan 8, 2024
The city has been lauded for getting people into homes. But higher housing costs and expiring funding may put programs in jeopardy.
Houston's homelessness response network helped Derrick Escobedo find permanent housing — his first home ever.
Elizabeth Trovall/Marketplace

What we can learn from U.S. cities where homelessness is trending downward

Towns making progress, an overwhelmed system, affordable housing — here’s what to expect ahead of new federal data on homelessness.
"What the data tells us over and over again is that homelessness rates are driven primarily by the housing market," said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

What should Ireland do with its budget surplus?

Oct 9, 2023
Ireland has a budget surplus of $10.9 billion, which has been driven by soaring corporate tax revenue from tech and pharmaceutical companies.
Above, a boarded-up property is pictured in Dublin. Some Irish residents see housing as a key area where a surplus in tax revenue could be put to use.
Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

San Francisco's mayor challenges the public perception of her city

San Francisco's empty office buildings and fleeing retailers have been in the news. London Breed challenges that narrative.
Increasing housing production, Mayor London Breed says, is one of her main focuses. She also says San Francisco has to get creative with how to repurpose vacant office space.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The economics of homelessness

In this Marketplace special, we’re taking a look at how the debt ceiling drama further restricts us from addressing big issues like homelessness.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

There aren't enough workers to help people experiencing homelessness

Jun 1, 2023
That's impacting efforts to get people into housing. But there are some programs trying to increase the number of specialists in the pipeline.
A man sleeps outside the Homeless Help Desk kiosk in the Skid Row community of Los Angeles, California. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Yes, you can be employed and homeless

Jun 1, 2023
Fast-food workers, who are often paid low wages and work limited hours, make up 11% of homeless workers in California, a study finds.
An Economic Roundtable study looks at the fast-food industry in California, which has the "highest rate of poverty employment" in the state, according to author Daniel Flaming.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Mental illness plays a complicated role in the homelessness crisis

May 30, 2023
Though the affordable housing shortage is key, mental illness increases the risk of losing a home and makes it harder to regain one.
Being unhoused often limits access to treatment for people with mental illnesses.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

How the affordable housing crisis drives homelessness

We're going to need a lot of money and cooperation to address homelessness.
Housing expert Gregg Colburn explains how we can best address homelessness on local, state and federal levels.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images