I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas (City) Anymore

Abstract

Examines the problem of homelessness through a panel discussion for the Kansas City (KC) Chamber of Commerce. Introduces the four perspectives of the panelists, the director of a nonprofit organization housing organization, head of the Coalition on Homelessness, a newspaper reporter, and chair of the city’s Task Force on Homelessness on such issues as “Care Not Cash,” “Housing First,” and shelters versus permanent housing. Even in liberal San Francisco (SF), there are different assessments of the problems and solutions. A conservative perspective by a visitor from KC enlivens the discussion. The history of homelessness and various responses over the last 30 years is introduced, including a debate over whether SF has gone from one of the worst in the nation dealing with homelessness to one of the best.