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What should we do about homeless families? Comments on the Family Options Study

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  • Kevin C. Corinth

Abstract

The recently released Family Options Study offers new, groundbreaking evidence about what works best for homeless families. In this paper, I review the study's design and findings and evaluate the policy conclusions drawn in the report. I propose alternative policy responses, including (1) broadening the goals of the homeless system beyond ending homelessness-to not only provide a housing safety net but also provide effective avenues for self-sufficiency; (2) supplementing rapid re-housing with customized case management, work incentives, and flexible assistance for home-sharing arrangements; and (3) identifying and expanding transitional housing programs that effectively build self-sufficiency. Additional resources needed to fund these policies should be diverted from other federal rental-assistance programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin C. Corinth, 2015. "What should we do about homeless families? Comments on the Family Options Study," AEI Economic Perspectives, American Enterprise Institute, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:aei:journl:y:2015:id:853764
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cragg, Michael & O'Flaherty, Brendan, 1999. "Do Homeless Shelter Conditions Determine Shelter Population? The Case of the Dinkins Deluge," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 377-415, November.
    2. O'Flaherty, Brendan & Wu, Ting, 2006. "Fewer subsidized exits and a recession: How New York City's family homeless shelter population became immense," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 99-125, June.
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