Advanced Social Policy- Homelessness

(3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the history and current status of homelessness in the U.S. and abroad focusing on research, practice and policy implications. The course will address the following topics: 1) history and causes of the homeless 'epidemic'; 2) the homeless 'industry' as understood through the lens of organizational and institutional theories; 3) the rise of Housing First as paradigm shift and the systems changes that have ensued; 3) specific populations including homeless families, youths, and the chronic homeless; 4) best practices in outreach and engagement with homeless persons; 5) homeless policies and drivers of change (legal, advocacy, research); 6) research on homelessness and homeless services in the U.S. and other countries.