Homelessness in Pennsylvania: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

In 2014, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives authorized the creation of a bipartisan task force and an advisory committee to research and write a report on the causes, impacts, and solutions to homelessness in Pennsylvania.  Released this month, the resulting report reviews the prevalence of homelessness in the Commonwealth, and includes the task force’s recommendations for effective, efficient, and compassionate means for ending homelessness in our state.

The report documents the need for specific interventions to meet the needs of specific subpopulations, such as people who have experienced chronic street homelessness; young adults (especially LGBTQ young adults) who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness; and people who are homeless due to an addiction.  Overall, the report cites a real need for more safe, decent, affordable housing paired with services appropriate to meet a person’s needs and help them obtain and retain housing.

The report was dedicated to the memory of Staci Perlman, who was a scholar and advocate for homeless people and families.  Laura Weinbaum, vice president for public affairs and strategic initiatives, represented Project HOME on the advisory committee. Click below to download the full report.