Brian Goldstone, author of *There Is No Place for Us: Working Homeless in America*, will address the affordable housing crisis during a Sept. 8 lecture in Des Moines, Iowa. The event, hosted by The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University in partnership with Anawim Housing, will explore how economic displacement is reshaping urban landscapes across the U.S. Goldstone’s work, which examines the systemic barriers faced by the working poor, aligns with Anawim’s mission to provide stable housing for vulnerable populations. “Affordable housing is a communal issue that demands urgent attention,” said Megan Milligan, president of Anawim Housing. “Brian’s insights underscore the necessity of equitable solutions for those at risk of homelessness.” Registration for the Sussman Lecture will open in July, with details available via Drake University’s public policy initiatives.
The Growing Challenge of Affordable Housing
The U.S. Faces a deepening housing affordability crisis, with rising rents and stagnant wages pushing low-income workers into homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 580,000 people experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023, with 25% classified as “chronically homeless.” Goldstone’s research highlights how urban development policies often prioritize profit over people, exacerbating inequities. “Cities like Atlanta illustrate a pattern where affordable housing is eroded by gentrification, leaving working families without options,” he explained in a 2022 interview with *The New York Times*. This trend mirrors challenges in other metropolitan areas, including Des Moines, where Anawim Housing has been advocating for permanent solutions.
Anawim Housing’s Role in Community Resilience
Anawim Housing, a nonprofit based in Iowa, has pioneered models of permanent supportive housing that combine affordable units with social services. Their approach, which has served over 1,200 individuals since 2015, emphasizes stability as a foundation for economic mobility. “When people have secure housing, they’re better positioned to access employment, education, and healthcare,” Milligan noted. The organization’s partnership with Drake University’s Harkin Institute reflects a growing collaboration between academia and nonprofits to address systemic issues. The Sussman Lecture, named after former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, has previously featured speakers on topics ranging from climate policy to healthcare reform.
Key Takeaways
- The affordable housing crisis disproportionately impacts the working poor, with 1 in 4 low-income households spending over 50% of their income on rent.
- Gentrification and policy gaps are accelerating homelessness in cities nationwide, requiring multi-faceted solutions.
- Anawim Housing’s model demonstrates that permanent supportive housing reduces long-term costs for communities while improving individual outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The Sept. 8 lecture will provide a platform for dialogue on policy reforms, housing innovation, and grassroots advocacy. As the U.S. Grapples with one of its most pressing social challenges, events like the Sussman Lecture emphasize the importance of informed public discourse. For those interested in attending, updates will be posted on Drake University’s Harkin Institute website. Meanwhile, organizations like Anawim Housing continue to push for systemic change, proving that housing is not just a right—it’s a catalyst for equity.