State and Local Policy Levers to Prevent and Address Homelessness

State and local governments can play a critical role in ending housing instability and homelessness. State and local policymakers should prioritize proven solutions that address the root causes and harmful conditions of homelessness and reject shortsighted and punitive responses that worsen these conditions for their residents and make it harder for them to gain permanent housing.

This resource includes a non-exhaustive list of policies and strategies that can play a critical role in preventing and addressing homelessness, promoting public and community health, and advancing racial equity. It highlights key questions stakeholders should consider as they seek to advance housing access and stability for all community members. Most of the strategies highlighted would reform our current systems to help reduce homelessness, minimize harm, and advance equity, while some of the policies would begin to shift power to directly impacted people and pave the way for more transformative changes.