Homelessness systems in the USA

This chapter examines homelessness systems in the USA, tracing their development over time. The chapter starts by looking at shelters and emergency accommodation before looking at more contemporary responses such as Housing First. The chapter highlights the tension between efforts to accommodate and efforts end homelessness. The chapter argues that while there is an incremental shift from shelter to housing-focused solutions, the pace is too slow to significantly shift a status quo that remains focused on accommodation of the problem.