Changing the Paradigm of Homelessness

Yvonne Vissing · Diane Nilan · Christopher Hudson

Nov 2019 · Routledge

About this ebook

Changing the Paradigm of Homelessness offers a comprehensive look at family housing distress related to the homelessness epidemic in the United States. This book explores the causes and consequences of this epidemic and proposes drastic changes in America’s historically ill-fated approach to family homelessness. By describing this crisis in detail, the authors enlighten readers to the scope of this issue, describe those impacted by it, and outline ways to shift public policies and public perceptions. The authors interweave scholarly concepts with insights of those who are currently or previously homeless, and, in doing so, they show the importance of academic knowledge influencing policy decisions and the ways in which these influences impact the lives of real persons. This book, then, uses pedagogy, policy, and pragmatism to critique the United States’ approach to family homelessness.

About the author

Yvonne Vissing is a Professor of Healthcare Studies, and previously Professor and Chair of Sociology, at Salem State University, where she is the Founding Director of the Salem State University Center for Childhood and Youth Studies. She was appointed Policy Chair by the United Nations for child rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and she is a long-term board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Christopher G. Hudson is Professor Emeritus in the School of Social Work at Salem State University. In addition to his responsibilities at Salem State, he has been elected as the President of the 7,700-member Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NAMI-MA Research of the Year Award, and two William J. Fulbright Senior Faculty Awards, one in Hong Kong (2002/2003) and the other in Prague, CZ (2017/2018). He has also taught and conducted research in international mental health at universities in Auckland, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, and London.

Diane Nilan is the founder and president of HEAR US Inc. and has three decades of experience running and managing homeless shelters and advocating for improved state and federal homeless policies. She has filmed and produced two award-winning documentaries – My Own Four Walls and On the Edge: Family Homelessness in America, wrote the book Crossing the Line: Taking Steps to End Homelessness, and has given numerous university and congressional addresses on homelessness.