For decades, substance use and homelessness have had a mutually destructive relationship that has dragged and trapped millions of vulnerable people and families into a costly and deadly churn of recidivism. Dependence on harmful and illegal substances can be all-consuming, making it extremely difficult to keep a job, care for family or overcome homelessness.
There was a day, not long ago, when scientifically-based responses to the issue of homelessness prevailed. Root causes were addressed openly and honestly and effective interventions, stabilization, treatment, and recovery were prioritized to promote healing and overcoming. Professionals knew that homelessness could happen as a consequence due to severe substance use, but those thoughts have been replaced.
