Giving Done Right: Tackling the Root Causes of Homelessness with Susan Thomas

Episode Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Giving Done Right, hosted by Grace Nicollette and Phil Buchanan from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), the conversation delves deep into the complex issue of homelessness in the United States. Their guest, Susan Thomas, President of the Melville Charitable Trust, brings a wealth of experience and insights into tackling the root causes of homelessness, particularly focusing on the impact of systemic racism and policy barriers.

1. Susan Thomas’ Journey into Philanthropy

Susan Thomas shares her personal and professional journey that led her to her current role at the Melville Charitable Trust.

• Early Influences: Susan credits her parents' activism for igniting her passion for philanthropy. She recalls her father’s involvement in a landmark housing rights lawsuit in Pittsburgh during the early 1960s, emphasizing the fight for the "right to live where they wanted to live" (00:29).

• Professional Background: Before joining the Melville Charitable Trust, Susan held roles within other philanthropic organizations and city government, focusing on creating solutions to homelessness. Her hands-on experiences, including spending nights under bridges and staying in shelters, highlighted the multifaceted nature of homelessness beyond mental illness and addiction (02:23).

Notable Quote:

“And so if we are able to fix the systems that are created to hold people down, then we are liberating everyone.” – Susan Thomas (00:29)

2. Understanding the Crux of Homelessness

Susan challenges the conventional narrative that homelessness is primarily driven by mental illness or addiction, highlighting systemic issues instead.

• Systemic Barriers: She identifies systemic racism and structural barriers as fundamental obstacles preventing individuals, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), from fully participating in the economy (08:25).

• Data Insights: Highlighting data from 2023, Susan points out that 75% of homeless individuals are not chronically homeless but have lost their homes due to various systemic failures (07:44).

Notable Quote:

“We fundamentally believe that racism and systemic racism has an integral part in people being so disconnected that they are houseless without a safety net.” – Susan Thomas (08:25)

3. Historical Context: Redlining and Its Legacy

The discussion shifts to the historical practices that have perpetuated housing inequities.

• Redlining Explained: Susan elaborates on redlining—a discriminatory practice where certain neighborhoods, predominantly inhabited by Black, Jewish, and immigrant communities, were marked as high-risk for mortgage loans, effectively denying these communities access to housing and wealth accumulation (23:05).

• Impact on Wealth: She connects redlining to the creation of two distinct banking systems, one accessible to white individuals and another marginalized, explaining how these practices have entrenched wealth disparities (15:42).

Notable Quote:

“Redlining was a practice of drawing a red line around geographies where black people lived... that was the beginning of the myth that if you live next to a black person, then your property value would drop.” – Susan Thomas (23:05)

4. The Role of Policy in Perpetuating Homelessness

Susan emphasizes the need for policy change to address the root causes of homelessness.

• Policy Barriers: Current zoning laws and local policies often inhibit the development of affordable housing, perpetuating the cycle of homelessness (16:44).

• Philanthropy’s Role: She calls on philanthropists to engage in policy advocacy, leveraging their resources to support systemic change rather than just funding immediate needs (30:20).

Notable Quote:

“If we are able to fix the systems that are created to hold people down, then we are liberating everyone.” – Susan Thomas (08:25)

5. Strategies for Effective Philanthropy

Susan outlines strategic approaches for donors to make a meaningful impact on homelessness.

• Education: Donors must educate themselves about the historical and systemic factors contributing to homelessness (21:23).

• Collaboration: Aligning with organizations and foundations that share a similar vision can amplify efforts (30:20).

• Patient Capital: Investing in long-term solutions and supporting grassroots organizations can drive sustainable change (33:25).

Notable Quote:

“Philanthropy has an amazing platform to convene people, an amazing platform to help educate. It also has an amazing platform to take big bets.” – Susan Thomas (30:20)

6. Overcoming Contemporary Challenges

The conversation addresses modern obstacles, such as backlash against racial equity initiatives and the misconception that focusing on race hinders broader coalition-building.

• Backlash Against DEI: Susan discusses the resistance to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, citing legal challenges and societal pushback that aim to silence discussions on racial equity (26:41).

• Interconnected Oppressions: She argues that dismantling systemic racism benefits everyone, not just marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive and thriving society (28:39).

Notable Quote:

“If we are able to fix the systems that are created to hold people down, then we are liberating everyone.” – Susan Thomas (08:25)

7. Highlighting Bright Spots and Hope for the Future

Despite the daunting challenges, Susan shares encouraging developments and areas where progress is being made.

• Innovative Solutions: Organizations like the Center for Community Progress and Grounded Solutions are pioneering alternative homeownership models and economic security projects that address root causes (33:25).

• Growing Awareness: Increased dialogue around structural racism and a new wave of philanthropists are beginning to support systemic change, indicating a shift towards more effective interventions (33:25).

Notable Quote:

“There is hope that people are now talking about structural racism... and there is hope in more and more people being curious about and digging into what are those root causes.” – Susan Thomas (33:25)

8. Practical Advice for Donors

Susan provides actionable steps for donors committed to addressing homelessness at its roots.

• Continuous Education: Engage with recommended resources such as The Color of Law and The Color of Money to understand the historical context (13:13).

• Support Root Cause Initiatives: Invest in programs and organizations that aim to dismantle systemic barriers rather than just addressing immediate needs (21:23).

• Policy Advocacy: Encourage and fund policy changes that promote equitable housing and economic participation (30:20).

Notable Quote:

“Educate themselves. First of all, as you and I'm so glad you brought up the history. Educate them the history that history will teach you about the structures.” – Susan Thomas (30:20)

9. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In concluding the episode, Susan shares a personal story that underscores the importance of individual actions in driving systemic change.

• Personal Anecdote: Susan recounts an encounter with a homeowner unwilling to sell due to systemic barriers, highlighting the pervasive influence of entrenched policies (43:07).

• Call to Action: She urges listeners to "do the right thing" on a personal level, emphasizing that individual efforts collectively contribute to broader societal change (43:21).

Notable Quote:

“Just do the right thing.” – Susan Thomas (45:41)

Conclusion

This episode of Giving Done Right offers a profound exploration of homelessness through the lens of systemic inequities and historical injustices. Susan Thomas eloquently articulates the necessity of addressing root causes through informed philanthropy, strategic collaboration, and unwavering commitment to policy change. For donors seeking to make a meaningful impact, the insights provided serve as a crucial guide towards fostering sustainable and equitable solutions to homelessness.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
• The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran
• The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Further Information:

For more episodes and resources on effective giving, visit cep.org and givingdoneright.org.