Strengthening Housing Problem Solving Across Homelessness Response Systems

Across the country, homelessness response systems are facing a difficult reality: the need for housing far exceeds the resources available. Funding priorities are evolving, housing remains increasingly unaffordable, and systems must navigate significant change in policy and external support.  

Homelessness assistance programs remain critical, yet we know they cannot meet the needs of every household experiencing a housing crisis. Communities must strengthen their ability to identify and pursue housing solutions both within and beyond the homelessness response system. 

That is where Housing Problem Solving (HPS) comes in. 

What is Housing Problem Solving? 

Housing Problem Solving is more than a conversation or a single intervention. It is a system-wide approach that helps communities respond to housing crises quickly and equitably, with a focus on achieving housing outcomes. It encourages homelessness response systems to maximize every opportunity to support households by building on individual strengths, leveraging community resources, and coordinating across partners. 

Fortunately, communities across the country are already incorporating elements of Housing Problem Solving into their work. As communities continue to adapt, there is an opportunity to strengthen and better integrate these practices by creating a shared framework, common language, and practical guidance to support implementation across homelessness response systems. 

Housing Problem Solving is not a replacement for existing housing interventions. It is a way to ensure that every interaction, partnership, and resource is aligned toward helping people find and maintain safe, stable housing. 

How Can You Build a Shared Framework for Housing Problem Solving? 

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is developing a comprehensive Housing Problem Solving Framework that brings together the philosophy, operational guidance, and practical skills needed to implement Housing Problem Solving across homelessness response systems. 

Rather than introducing a new model, the framework will pull from knowledge and input across the field and organize existing practices into a shared resource. Communities can use this resource to build common language, strengthen collaboration, and improve housing outcomes. 

The framework will bring together: 

• The principles and philosophy behind effective Housing Problem Solving. 

• The operational infrastructure needed to support implementation across homelessness response systems. 

• Practical tools, skills, and approaches that strengthen housing-focused conversations and services. 

• Real-world examples from communities successfully implementing Housing Problem Solving. 

Coming Soon: How You Can Help Shape the Framework 

We believe the strongest framework is one built with the field—not simply for the field. 

As we develop these resources, we will be inviting homelessness system leaders, frontline practitioners, community partners, and people with lived and living expertise to participate in our upcoming Housing Problem Solving Survey.

Your feedback will help us better understand: 

• What is working well in communities today. 

• Where Housing Problem Solving implementation remains challenging. 

• What tools, training, and guidance communities need most. 

• How we can ensure this framework reflects real-world practice and experience. 

Whether you are leading a Continuum of Care, working directly with households, partnering across systems, or drawing on your own lived and living expertise, your perspective is invaluable. 

Together, we can build practical, equitable, and housing-focused resources that help communities make the most of every opportunity to respond to housing crises and support people in achieving housing stability. 

We look forward to sharing the framework—and hearing from you—as we continue building the future of Housing Problem Solving together.