Homelessness Prevention and Intervention in Social Work

This textbook examines the service needs of those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness and reviews effective policies, programs, and practices for people at risk or experiencing homelessness. It addresses a a need for a comprehensive, dedicated textbook on homelessness for the social work field. Because of the multifaceted causes and correlates of homelessness, this textbook is informed by the Restorative Integral Support (RIS) model for a whole person framework that organizes policy, program, and practice innovations presented throughout the chapters. The RIS model: (1) conceptually handles homelessness as a category that includes and transcends existing categories of child welfare, aging, health, disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, and others; (2) synthesizes research on ACEs, trauma, resilience, and recovery; and (3) offers a holistic, multi-system method that supports consumers and staff while strengthening systems within communities. Building the homelessness knowledge base - from characteristics of the homeless population to policy and service implementation - can advance life-changing outcomes for millions who lack supports.