18. How do we know if we are ending homelessness?

In this week’s episode, Carl Falconer and Danny Arroyo tackle one of the biggest (and most misunderstood) questions in the field: what does real progress look like—and how do we measure it beyond headlines and politics?We break down the “rare, brief, and non-recurring” framework, talk about why reliable data matters (including HMIS participation), and explain concepts like “functional zero.” We also debate whether the U.S. is truly reducing homelessness, discuss why housing costs are the common thread, and answer listener questions about what one statistic matters most.Plus: a headline from California’s 2025 Point In Time count results, an inspired quote from Project HOME, and a powerful MVP story about Rick Steves stepping in to save a hygiene center serving hundreds of unsheltered neighbors. Our fumble of the week highlights how homelessness impacts children and classrooms globally.Email questions: ⁠[email protected]⁠Support, volunteer, or tour: PathlightHOME.orgProduced by Gigi Ramirez and Jay Falconer. Music and Sound Design by Kwon.