10 Principles for Addressing Homelessness
A Guide for Commercial Real Estate and Finance
Homelessness is a complex issue. The lack of affordable housing, combined with individual risk factors such as mental health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, low wages, and more all drive high rates of homelessness in many communities. Because homelessness is a multifaceted problem, it requires multifaceted solutions, solutions that involve the public and private sectors, religious institutions, non-profit organizations, and individuals. No single industry can solve homelessness alone. It requires all of us.
It is time to focus on the real estate industry's understanding of its role in solving homelessness and get to work.
This work seeks to expand the efforts to end homelessness, help right the wrongs of the past that led to housing and affordability loss, and combat stereotypes that affect individuals' ability to find and remain in safe, affordable, quality housing. These principles can help set a new path for real estate professionals, bringing everyone to the table to effect change, support critical partners, and together find a path toward housing for all.
Report Summary: 10 Principles for Addressing Homelessness: A Guide for Commercial Real Estate and Finance was drafted by ULI members as a foundation to help peers across the real estate industry envision and act on their role in addressing and helping to solve the United States' homelessness crisis. Although homelessness has been a challenge since before the United States was founded, today the country is experiencing the largest and longest-sustaining surge in homelessness in its history.
Homelessness is a complex issue. The lack of affordable housing, combined with individual risk factors such as mental health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, low wages, and more all drive high rates of homelessness in many communities. Because homelessness is a multifaceted problem, it requires multifaceted solutions, solutions that involve the public and private sectors, religious institutions, non-profit organizations, and individuals. No single industry can solve homelessness alone. It requires all of us.
It is time to focus on the real estate industry's understanding of its role in solving homelessness and get to work.
This work seeks to expand the efforts to end homelessness, help right the wrongs of the past that led to housing and affordability loss, and combat stereotypes that affect individuals' ability to find and remain in safe, affordable, quality housing. These principles can help set a new path for real estate professionals, bringing everyone to the table to effect change, support critical partners, and together find a path toward housing for all.