Compassion First: A Sensible Approach to America’s Homeless Crisis

For nearly a decade, federal policies meant to address homelessness have centered around “Housing First,” which begins with an assumption that the crisis is driven primarily by a lack of affordable housing. But is it really? Studies show that most individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from severe addiction, untreated mental illness, or a combination of the two. Others end up on the streets because they have no one to turn to, typically owing to broken familial relationships. It’s time for a change. Steven Buri, Robert Marbut and Wesley J. Smith of the Discovery Institute joined us to explore a new approach that acknowledges the inherent dignity of those suffering and that focuses on restoration, recovery, and self-sufficiency.Support the show