Overview

As in most cities throughout the country, a crisis in housing and homelessness has existed since the Great Depression of the 1930's. The nature of the crisis changes at the national and local level based on economic factors which reflect governmental policies at a given time. Under Democratic admistrations, more money tended to be available, administered by HUD. Local agencies would have to work with cities and counties to develop workable plans for how to utilize the money to provide the best continuum of care as possible, meaning affordable housing and the right kind of support for people with special needs.