S. Homelessness Law and Policy

Today, millions of Americans are without the stability of home. Growing numbers are living cars and tents or other encampments, and many more are doubling up. The pandemic threw into sharp relief the life-threatening consequences of the absence of home, and its implications for communities. Increased attention to racial injustice has focused attention on both the disproportionate racial impact of homelessness and its criminalization. But despite popular perception, mass homelessness has not always been with us.

This seminar will examine the growth of modern homelessness from the early 1980s to the present, and its evolution from urgent humanitarian crisis to a seemingly permanent, and increasingly criminalized, feature of American urban life. We will examine its causes, complicating factors, actual/potential solutions, legal and policy issues and strategies, and the role that lawyers and other advocates have played and can play in addressing this critical social problem. We will consider strategies including litigation and legislative, regulatory, and human rights advocacy. Our approach will be interdisciplinary, integrating legal issues with readings and approaches from anthropology and public health, among other disciplines. We will consider homelessness across the US but place a particular focus on New York City. Readings will include court papers and cases, legislation, social science studies, research reports, and policy statements, supplemented by video documentaries and "fieldwork," such as a visit to housing court. A variety of guest speakers including people with lived experience on the street and in shelters as well as those running programs designed to assist them -- will add to our discussions. As long-time activists and scholars, we will also bring our own experience and writings to bear.

Active participation in class discussion, at least six discussion posts based on readings on the class discussion board, one field assignment and write up, and a final paper are expected.