Streets to Solutions: An Introductory Exploration of Homelessness
6
Lessons
5
Videos
All
Skill Level
30M
Duration
English
Language
Overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of homelessness, covering its definitions, causes, and the diverse populations it affects. Through a broad overview, participants will gain insight into the various factors contributing to homelessness, including economic instability, systemic issues, and health-related challenges. The course aims to equip learners with a foundational understanding necessary to engage with this critical social issue thoughtfully.
Additionally, the course delves into the societal responses to homelessness, highlighting the role of the Continuum of Care (CoC) and other key interventions designed to support affected individuals and families. By examining these strategies and the challenges they face, participants will learn about the efforts underway to mitigate homelessness and the ongoing need for comprehensive, community-driven solutions.
Completing this course will help you:
- Comprehend the Multifaceted Nature of Homelessness
- Recognize the Diverse Populations Affected
- Understand the Role of the Continuum of Care (CoC)
- Discover how to Help in the Fight Against Homelessness
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for community leaders, policymakers, social workers, advocates, educators, students, volunteers, and concerned citizens, and anyone interested in gaining a foundational understanding of homelessness to enhance their interventions, craft informed policies, or contribute positively to community awareness and involvement.
Learning Path
This module provides definitions and concepts from HUD and other relevant bodies, offering a historical overview of policy evolution and presenting current statistics to outline the scope and demographics of homelessness in the U.S. and globally.
Video 6 Min + 2 Min read to complete
Explore the multifaceted causes of homelessness, including economic factors like unemployment and housing affordability, social factors such as family breakdown and systemic racism, health-related factors including mental health and substance abuse, and systemic issues like policy failures and gaps in social services.
Video 5 Min + 2 Min read to complete
Delve into the different groups affected by homelessness, highlighting the distinctions and specific needs of chronic vs. transitional homelessness, veterans, youth, families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities.
Video 5 Min + 2 Min read to complete
This module covers the overview of the Continuum of Care, detailing its role, structure, and goals alongside various types of support programs such as emergency shelters, transitional and permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and prevention services, as well as the coordinated entry systems that streamline access to these resources.
Video 6 Min + 2 Min read to complete
Introduces the Homeless Management Information System, explaining its purpose in managing data related to homelessness, the benefits it offers to service providers and stakeholders in making informed decisions, tracking progress, and enhancing service delivery.
Video 4 Min + 2 Min read to complete
This module empowers participants to become catalysts for change by exploring the pivotal roles that local government, businesses, concerned citizens, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness can play in advocating for policy reforms, securing funding, volunteering, and raising awareness. Participants will learn how collective action and community engagement are vital components in effectively combating homelessness, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within their localities.
Video 3 Min + 2 Min read to complete