Why Veteran Homelessness Fell and Latino Homelessness Increased

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:51:24 +0000

Why has veteran homelessness dropped while Latino homelessness keeps increasing? In this episode, I talk with Melissa Chinchilla, PhD, a homelessness researcher and policy advocate, about what these opposite trends reveal. We explore how the VA’s integrated approach and Housing First model helped reduce veteran homelessness, and why Latino communities in Los Angeles face rising rates, language barriers, cultural stigma, and gaps in services. Melissa also shares insights from her time on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Commission and her research connecting housing, health, and community.

This conversation shows what’s possible when resources align — and what happens when entire communities are left out of the conversation.

00:00 Mark Introduces Melissa Chinchilla and Her Impressive Career
02:28 Melissa's Journey into Homelessness Work and Supporting the Show
07:07 The VA's Integrated Approach and Housing First Model's Impact
13:05 Unpacking the Unique Challenges Faced by Latino Communities
19:11 How Changing Demographics and Community Decline Impact Homelessness
23:48 Melissa's Work on Latinx Homelessness and Policy Advocacy
29:38 The Critical Role of Messaging and Melissa's Continued Impact

More:

Can We End Homelessness? Hennepin County Shows How https://youtu.be/yq1C8l4uSZc?si=XXZX7Hz2b1ibQMzc

From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless https://youtu.be/0hkkGH_QADA?si=vLXNtgK72hkphWXC

Housing First Didn’t Fail. We Did. https://youtu.be/Xrpi8_mbt0I?si=W16eazRf86JOrz_H

Executive producer: Mark Horvath
Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway https://www.youtube.com/alexgasaway
Associate producer: Erin McGinnis
Created by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

YouTube Podcast https://shorturl.at/XciIu
Apple Podcast https://apple.co/4cckQ86
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3XyM98c

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There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.

We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.

This isn’t just talk. Our groundbreaking educational content reaches millions of people every month. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you.

However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now.

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.