Podcast Summary: What We Spend – Episode: America's Working Homeless

Host: Courtney Harrell
Guest: Brian Goldstone, Author of There Is No Place for Us
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden Homelessness

In this poignant episode of What We Spend, hosted by Courtney Harrell, the spotlight shifts to a less visible but equally dire aspect of homelessness in America—the "working homeless." This segment delves deep into the lives of millions who, despite holding full-time jobs, struggle to afford basic housing. The conversation is anchored by Brian Goldstone, a seasoned journalist and author, who provides an in-depth exploration of this pervasive crisis through his latest book, There Is No Place for Us.

Understanding the Working Homeless

Brian Goldstone (03:45): "Homelessness in the public imagination is very much limited to what we see on the street. But what you see on the street is just the tip of the iceberg."

Goldstone introduces the concept of the working homeless—a demographic often invisible yet flourishing beneath the surface of traditional homelessness narratives. These individuals maintain employment yet remain trapped in a relentless cycle of housing instability, challenging the conventional perception that employment equates to financial security.

Personal Stories Highlighting Systemic Failures

Celeste's Struggle

One of the compelling narratives Goldstone shares is that of Celeste, a single mother whose life spirals into homelessness after her home is deliberately burned down by an ex-boyfriend. Despite securing employment, her inability to afford rent leads her to precarious living situations, including staying in her truck and relying on temporary shelters.

Celeste's encounter with the Gateway Center—a coordinated entry point for homeless assistance—reveals systemic deficiencies. Despite her exhaustive documentation and dire circumstances, her application for assistance is rejected due to a low vulnerability score unrelated to her actual needs (08:51). This highlights how rigid and flawed the current assistance frameworks are, often overlooking the nuanced realities of those in need.

Britt's Experience with Public Housing

Another poignant story is that of Britt, who grew up in Atlanta's public housing during a period when such facilities were being systematically defunded and dismantled (21:15). The transition to a voucher-based system left many like Britt without stable housing options, as landlords frequently reject vouchers, leading to prolonged waiting periods and eventual expiration of assistance (23:46).

Systemic Causes of the Housing Crisis

Goldstone identifies three primary factors exacerbating homelessness:

1. Decreasing Tenant Protections: Weakening of laws safeguarding tenants leads to arbitrary evictions and unsafe living conditions. For instance, Celeste's eviction without notice underscores the lack of legal safeguards for renters (07:10).

2. Low Wages: The stark disparity between wage growth and rent increases creates an untenable financial gap. Since 1985, rents have surged by 325% more than income growth, making it impossible for minimum wage workers to afford even modest apartments (19:16).

3. Skyrocketing Rents: The relentless increase in housing costs outpaces income, leaving millions unable to secure affordable housing. National data reveals that no city or state currently allows a full-time minimum wage worker to afford a two-bedroom apartment without subsidies (19:38).

Flaws in Public Housing and Assistance Programs

The shift from public housing to a voucher system has introduced significant barriers:

• Limited Access: Only one in four eligible individuals receive housing assistance due to underfunding and restrictive policies (22:48).

• Landlord Reluctance: High-demand urban areas prioritize market rates over affordable options, resulting in voucher holders struggling to find accepting landlords (24:04).

Goldstone emphasizes the lottery-like nature of housing assistance allocation, treating essential living spaces as scarce resources rather than fundamental rights (23:01).

Proposed Solutions: Rethinking Housing Policy

To address the multifaceted housing crisis, Goldstone advocates for comprehensive policy reforms:

1. Enhanced Tenant Protections: Implementing laws that prevent retaliatory evictions and ensure habitability standards can keep families in their homes longer.

2. Right to Counsel in Evictions: Providing legal representation in eviction cases increases tenants' chances of retaining their housing, thereby reducing homelessness (31:17).

3. Social Housing Models: Drawing inspiration from countries like Austria and Finland, Goldstone champions the development of government-owned, high-quality, and affordable housing accessible to all income levels. This paradigm shift treats housing as a public good rather than a commodity, ensuring stability and equity.

4. Wage Growth and Labor Protections: Aligning wages with the rising cost of living and strengthening labor rights are crucial for enabling individuals to afford housing without compromising their livelihoods.

Conclusion: A Porous Divide Between Housed and Unhoused

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the personal toll of the housing crisis. Both Celeste and Britt remain without secure housing, embodying the broader national struggle. Goldstone underscores the fragility of housing stability, asserting that the divide between housed and unhoused is alarmingly thin, affecting millions across America (16:54).

Brian Goldstone (32:36): "We have to make housing the way we do public education—an essential public good that benefits all of society."

By shedding light on the hidden dimensions of homelessness and advocating for structural changes, What We Spend calls listeners to recognize and address the profound housing inequities shaping countless lives.

Key Takeaways

• Invisible Homelessness: A substantial segment of the homeless population maintains employment yet cannot afford housing.
• Systemic Barriers: Flawed assistance programs and a lack of tenant protections exacerbate housing instability.
• Economic Disparities: Wage stagnation coupled with soaring rents create unsustainable living conditions for low and working-class individuals.
• Policy Reforms Needed: Comprehensive solutions, including social housing and enhanced labor rights, are essential to mitigate the housing crisis.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Goldstone (03:45): "What we see on the street is just the tip of the iceberg."
• Brian Goldstone (07:10): "These families and individuals... have nowhere else to go. And that desperation is really being preyed upon."
• Brian Goldstone (19:16): "Since 1985, rents nationwide have outpaced income growth by 325%."
• Brian Goldstone (31:17): "Ensuring the right to counsel in eviction cases can significantly lower the number of people being pushed into homelessness."
• Brian Goldstone (32:36): "We have to make housing the way we do public education—an essential public good that benefits all of society."

This episode of What We Spend serves as a critical examination of the housing crisis in America, highlighting the urgent need for policy interventions and societal shifts to address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity.