Skip to Main Content

Beyond Homeless

Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes, Transformative Solutions

Edited by Mary L. G. Theroux / Foreword by Drew Pinsky
Published by Independent Institute
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Entire neighborhoods in cities across the United States have become open-air asylums, drug markets, and impoverished wastelands—where death, misery, crime, addiction, encampments, fires, disease, and even human waste aren't just tolerated but normalized. How is this possible when billions of taxpayer dollars have been funneled into homelessness initiatives such as "Housing First"?

The truth is that the money poured into this issue from taxpayers, non-profits, and private charities alike has mostly made homelessness worse overall. And governments' failures haven't just wasted taxpayer dollars—it has cost lives and undermined human dignity.

This isn't just incompetence.

It's immoral and unjust.

And it must end.

In Beyond Homeless: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes, Transformative Solutions, Mary L. G. Theroux, Lawrence J. McQuillan, Ph.D., and other scholars present a better approach rooted in proven solutions. This groundbreaking new book, based on years of research, is exactly what's needed to address the crisis.

With forewords from acclaimed addiction medicine specialist and TV host Dr. Drew Pinsky, and licensed master social worker Scott Ackerson, the book gathers experts on every aspect of homelessness to present a stirring condemnation of the status quo—and an inspiring vision for the future. Drawing on real-life stories, cutting-edge research, and alternative programs with metric-driven successes, they make the case for individualized, holistic interventions that actually work.

Discover:
  • How "Housing First" initiatives have become governments’ default response to homelessness—and why they fail
  • Why permanent supportive housing (PSH) isn't just ineffective but dangerous
  • How political interests fuel the homelessness-industrial complex resulting in ever-increasing spending while falling further behind
  • The inspiring success of real alternatives such as Haven for Hope in Texas and Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles
  • Policy changes that would truly ease the crisis for the unhoused and housed alike—without breaking the bank
  • The difference between responsible and irresponsible forms of harm reduction
  • And much, much more…

At the heart of this crisis are real people—those experiencing homelessness and the residents who see their neighborhoods crumble. Both have paid a high price for failed policies. Both deserve better.

The good news? We can do better. Beyond Homeless: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes, Transformative Solutions shows us how.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Independent Institute (October 28, 2025)
  • Length: 136 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781598133523

Browse Related Books

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images