Episode notes
In this powerful episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, we speak with Dr. Sam Tsemberis, founder of the Housing First model and CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute. He was also on the Distinguished Time Magazine list of 100 Most Influential People of 2024!
Drawing from decades of experience in psychology and frontline mental health services, Dr. Tsemberis shares the journey that led him to challenge the status quo of homelessness treatment—shifting from a "treatment first" approach to one that prioritizes permanent housing without preconditions.
From his early days at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital to founding Pathways to Housing, Dr. Tsemberis witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps and human costs of policies that deny housing to those not yet "compliant" with treatment.
Through compelling stories, ...
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trauma-informed carehousing first modelhomelessness solutionsmental illness and homelessnesssupportive housingDr. Sam TsemberisPathways to Housingevidence-based homelessness programscase manager trainingcareers in homeless servicescommunity-based housing supporttreatment first vs housing firstBellevue Psychiatric Hospitalhousing policy reformSanta Monica College podcast