Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for taking the time to engage with my full pathway post report. I hope that this one will be just as engaging and informative as the last. Housing instability and displacement are topics I’ve wanted to cover for quite some time. I just wasn’t sure how to approach them. But, that all changed after my conversation with Lisa Wright from HomeAid, which unexpectedly brought me back to my childhood self. Because at age six, I learned first hand what it feels like when stability is taken from you by forces that feel beyond your control.
20 years later, after the deportation of my parents and loss of my family home, I was confronted once more with that haunting memory. I once again saw how quickly policy decisions and bureaucratic systems turn people into problems to be managed. This pathway post came into fruition because part of me still needed a place to make sense of that loss and ask harder questions about responsibility, dignity, and care.
Now with a deeper understanding of the overlapping systems that decide who gets to stay and who gets pushed out, I approached this work with openness. I wanted to highlight all the ways in which displacement happens quietly, long before it is labeled as homelessness. Over time, my focus slowly grew beyond that, and I chose to look into global displacement patterns. Current discourse surrounding the Super Bowl Halftime Show inspired me to look into how frequently culture is the first thing acknowledged as lost in affected communities.
With each section of this post, a painfully familiar truth rang ever so clear: When housing and land become a commodity, people lose more than shelter. They lose hope, culture, opportunity, and more often than not their sense of safety and self. Because of that this report is far from neutral, and I willingly acknowledge that bias now. This pathway post is shaped by loss, proximity to the issue, and by the belief that social impact work must be accountable to those most affected by the systems we’d like to change.
I invite you now to slow down, listen closely, and consider what responsibility looks like when we talk about housing and displacement honestly. Thank you again for being here and for engaging with this work with care. If any part of this post resonated with you, I do welcome continued conversation and can be reached via email or LinkedIn.
- Josie J. Sorcia
This section summarizes the student’s data-gathering process and key findings from survey, interview, or other inquiry methods.
This month, ethical considerations played a huge role in determining my data collection methods. With that being said, rather than interviewing people who have or are currently experiencing homelessness, my data collection relied on qualitative and community-reported data. I wanted to ensure I wasn’t bringing any emotional strain upon potential participants.
My primary data source was the Utah Homelessness Council Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT serves as a count of both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. This data is later used for local, state, and federal planning. Utah’s most recent PIT, conducted in January 2025, showed an 18% increase from 2024. 4,584 individuals in Utah experienced homelessness on a single night. Children made up 14% of that population.
This is one of the more heartbreaking inferences I made with the data provided. Children should never have to experience these hardships, but the disproportionate impact of housing instability on families and youth leaves an already vulnerable population even more at risk. I must also acknowledge that the PIT is not 100% accurate because individuals living in cars, garages, or any type of informal arrangement are not included in the count. This further reinforces that homelessness continues to be a partially unseen issue.
I wanted to find connections between local and national data, so I looked at reports for our state from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. In their most recent report, they mentioned that a full-time worker would have to make $29 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. With the federal minimum wage and Utah’s minimum wage currently sitting at $7.25, it’s safe to say there is a growing and disproportionate disconnect between employment and housing stability. I also found out that 74% of extremely low income households in Utah are severely cost burdened. Meaning that more than half of their monthly income goes to housing. That is 4% higher than the national average.
Another organization, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, helps dismantle harmful stereotypes by highlighting that most individuals experience homelessness because of systemic issues. The vast majority of them have found themselves here because of rising rents, unsafe living environments, and sudden income loss.
With each new data source, it became increasingly clear that this is a system-level issue. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and the lack of truly affordable housing are the primary contributors. If we truly want to see a change, we have to close the gap between wages and the cost of living. Because when full-time employment can not guarantee stability, homelessness can only be seen as a predictable outcome and not a personal failure.
This section shares insights from a community partner interview, connecting their perspective to the Pathway theme.
This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Wright, executive director of HomeAid Utah. From the beginning, it was clear that her approach to leadership was personable and compassionate. Lisa did not arrive where she is today by accident or through a well-crafted résumé. She was brought into this role because, at her core, she believes that we must “lift people to where we are, and not turn an eye.”
When I asked about her values, she spoke about being raised with a strong sense of responsibility to care for others. Especially those who are left feeling unseen or forgotten. That is what drew her to HomeAid Utah, a national non-profit taking a practical and skills based approach to social impact. “We take a community of builders, contractors, developers, and trade partners and do good in the community, with the knowledge we have.” - Lisa Wright.
Homelessness in Utah has evolved past outdated stereotypes, while addiction and mental health challenges still exist, today’s housing crisis is increasingly about affordability. Working-class individuals who, in the eyes of society, are “doing everything right” are continuously being priced out of stable or dignified housing. HomeAid, in turn, responds by doing what they do best, mobilizing their team and helping social service providers maximize their impact while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction costs. These savings help further support organizations like Milestone Transitional Living for youth aging out of foster care. With the help of HomeAid’s network, they saved nearly $176,000.00 on a single renovation. That is 176k that is redirected to people in need and not overhead. As Lisa put it, “When you elevate a space, people feel empowered to make choices that lead to self-sufficiency. Dignified housing becomes a foundation for healing and growth.”
We also spoke candidly about the ethical tensions that may arise when working with vulnerable populations. Lisa, like many other community partners, believes we must center lived experiences. She acknowledges that no single approach fits every individual. For her, ethical leadership means listening, remaining humble, and trusting the people closest to the problem. While debates may be ongoing about what approach is “right” or “evidence-based,” as long as we are centering lived experiences, we are doing right by those in need.
Leading in any field of social impact comes with the constant risk of burnout. During our talk, Lisa shared a concept that has stayed with me, the “floors and ceilings.” What is your best, most desirable outcome (ceilings), and what is the bare minimum (floors) you can give? Personally I have had a bit of a floor moment myself today when I said I wanted to write for at least four hours but life happened and I only had a spare hour. But I still showed up for myself, because it truly is the little things that allow us all to hold on to our momentum, and purpose.
When our conversation turned to the legacy of HomeAid and Lisa’s dreams for the future of this organization, her vision was simple yet powerful. “Safe and stable housing does more than meet an immediate need; it changes the trajectory of entire families. It breaks cycles of trauma and creates space for healing and joy for generations to come.” It’s safe to say that under Lisa’s leadership, HomeAid Utah will continue creating communities and spaces for people to feel safe and have hope.
As someone who experienced housing instability as a child, this part of our conversation felt deeply personal. Unfortunately, I do know firsthand how unsafe or unstable housing can negatively impact identity, security, and opportunity. Hearing Lisa refer to dignified housing as something with generational impact affirmed that we are changing futures when we invest in dignified spaces. Thank you so much to Lisa Wright and the HomeAid team for reminding us that meaningful social impact begins with empathy, collaboration, and the courage to see people fully. I’m looking forward to seeing their growing legacy throughout our state.
This section summarizes readings and research related to a relevant topic within the student’s Pathway and connects them to larger patterns or themes.
As tensions regarding housing insecurity and displacement rise in public policy rooms, we are seeing growing debates in popular culture. The truth is that when we stop seeing housing as a human need and instead as a financial asset, displacement does not just affect native inhabitants. It takes a heavy swing at language, art, and the collective memory of that land. Very few moments have captured the harsh reality of this as powerfully as Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. The beautiful imagery and symbolism were more than a cultural celebration; it was also a cautionary tale.
Bad Bunny’s presence on one of the most visible stages in the world during a time in which Latino voices are being silenced was deliberate. This is especially true for Puerto Rican people who have felt increasingly pushed out of their own communities. Because of this, Bad Bunny made sure to center Puerto Rican language, sound, and identity to assert cultural belonging. While his performance did not directly reference any housing policy, Ricky Martin's rendition of “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” warned of a much-familiar outcome of tourism-driven development. Something we have already seen in the State of Hawaii, where external investments have permanently changed who gets to remain in place.
A concern backed by investigative reporting by the Associated Press. In their research, they found that Puerto Rico’s housing landscape has been altered by the rapid increase of short-term rental (STR) units. Between the years of 2014 and 2023, these STR units on the island grew from around 1,000 units to more than 25,000. While some may argue that this level of tourism can benefit the economy, we must also remember that this reduces long-term housing availability. Increasing rent in popular tourist neighborhoods to invest in amenities for foreign travelers destroys the quality of life across Puerto Rico.
A 2024 report by the Hispanic Federation helped me paint a clear picture of the situation. In San Juan ( Puerto Rico’s capital ) alone, hundreds of housing units along major corridors have been converted to short-term rentals. Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, states, “Tourism will always be an important part of Puerto Rico’s economy. However, it cannot come at the expense of Puerto Rico’s Residents and communities.” Many residents experienced displacement multiple times as properties have shifted to tourist use, highlighting a widening gap between economic growth and housing stability.
Given the context, these lived experiences are what made Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance resonate beyond cultural pride. It’s no secret that pop culture usually signals what data later confirms. Artists like Bad Bunny use their global reach to defend and affirm their cultural identity. These moments are rarely unprovoked; they usually arise in response to social or material threats to that identity’s survival. I’m glad to see people with real influence standing up for those who are too often silenced. As the people of Puerto Rico navigate their future and the cultural displacement they’re experiencing, I wonder if visitors will listen to their concerns before the damage becomes irreversible.
Community Resources
This section highlights helpful tools or guides that support real-world application of the Pathway.
Every year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition publishes the Advocates’ Guide to educate advocates of all kinds about the programs and policies that make housing affordable to low-income people across America. Whether you are a student in an urban planning program, a new employee at a housing agency or community development corporation, or a seasoned affordable housing advocate looking for a refresher on key programs, this resource will give you the overview of housing programs and advocacy tools you need to be a leader in the affordable housing movement and to advocate effectively for socially just housing policy for low-income Americans.
This documentary was shared with me by Nayeli Pelcastre, our Direct Service Fellow. It offers an unfiltered, lived experience centered look at individuals living in flood tunnels beneath Las Vegas. Rather than sensationalizing the unhoused population, they allow people to speak for themselves about survival, community and the systemic failures that brought them here.
The Other Side Village is a peer-led democratic therapeutic community that empowers individuals to move beyond chronic homelessness through stable housing, personal accountability, and meaningful connection.
The Seager Memorial Clinic in Ogden provides free medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. By reducing barriers to healthcare access and embedding services within the community, the clinic demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can address the interconnected nature of housing, health, and stability.
La Brega is a podcast produced by WNYC Studios that explores Puerto Rican identity, displacement, resilience, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism, migration, and economic pressure. Through storytelling and cultural analysis, the podcast provides essential context for understanding how housing displacement in Puerto Rico affects not only physical stability but cultural continuity.
This section reflects on a firsthand or immersive experience related to the Pathway topic.
For my immersive experience, I decided to intentionally spend time at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Now I know that at first mention, a library might seem like the most unexpected place to explore the effects of housing insecurity and homelessness. But the truth is that libraries are one of the very few public and welcoming spaces left for the unhoused community.
The Salt Lake City public library supports individuals experiencing homelessness through specialized staff and partnerships. I learned that throughout its many branches, the library employs social service professionals, including a licensed clinical social worker. They serve as social services coordinators because people not only come to the library for information but also for help navigating community resources.
During my visit, I also learned that library staff will regularly assist patrons with housing paperwork, including but not limited to benefits enrollment, Section 8 applications, and referrals to mental health care. These time-sensitive interventions are what stand between stability and remaining in crisis. The library also partners with organizations such as Volunteers of America, Utah to help connect individuals with food and hygiene supplies. What stood out to me was just how seamlessly integrated these services were into the library’s systems. Especially because it was clearly done from a place of compassion and understanding, and not stigma or spectacle.
The Library also hosts a resource fair called Project Uplift that is designed for at-risk community members. This is one of their most impactful events because instead of trying to organize travel to scattered agencies across the county, the help is brought to those in need. This further proves that when we collaborate instead of operating in silos, people tend to fall through fewer cracks.
Another thing I loved to learn about is how the library is centering relational care in its aid efforts. Employees receive training in de-escalation and trauma-informed response. They recognize that a lot of their patrons may be under an unimaginable amount of stress. They commit themselves to providing safety and dignity; the goal is not removal, it’s support.
I hope that more systems explore how they can actively adapt to the housing crisis our state is facing. I love how they are humanizing those who are too often misunderstood and criticized. While not directly associated with the Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake Community College currently has the Public Library’s “In Their Words” exhibit in collaboration with Amplify Utah on display. This exhibit highlights the personal stories of individuals experiencing homelessness. It can be found at the Redwood Campus Markosian Library, January 14th - February 26th.
My experience at the library taught me that community impact doesn’t always look like a shelter or an affordable housing development. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet, public space that says, you are welcome here.
Call to Action
This section offers closing reflections and invites readers to consider how they can apply the insights in their own lives and communities.
No matter how well off you may be, housing insecurity will never be a distant issue or something that exists in isolation. It is in our cities, our neighborhoods, and for many people, it is their day-to-day experience. For me, this work was guided by a lived experience understanding that housing instability can leave generational marks on families.
For anyone looking to engage in this line of work, first seek to understand the contributing systems. Take the time to engage with the tools provided above, such as the Advocates Guide from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Living documents like this one provide a roadmap for how policy changes can either protect people or push them further into crisis. In our center, we refer to this as upstream vs. downstream thinking. Question if our solutions are merely temporary and what major outcomes could we possibly see down the line.
Solutions will always be most impactful when they are designed with consistent and compassionate input from those most affected. Implementing community-based models, integrated healthcare clinics, and trauma-informed spaces allows dignity and accountability to coexist. If you’d like to do your part in supporting these efforts, listen instead of assuming, partner instead of control, and above all, recognize lived experience as expertise.
This work also requires honesty from the world's institutions and leaders. Development is not always beneficial, and tourism can have lasting impacts long after your last vacation. We have to ask the difficult questions: who is ACTUALLY benefitting from these systems and who is quietly being displaced by not being invited to the table. I know that in a capitalist society, putting community stability over short-term gain is not favorable, but it is necessary.
I ask that we all identify the small connectors that allow us to care enough and engage. Care enough to listen to uncomfortable stories, even when we’re the antagonist. Care enough to advocate for policies that prevent displacement instead of acting when the harm has been done. Because housing is more than just a roof over your head, it’s what fosters safety and belonging. Excuse the pun, but it truly is foundational for a future where everyone can thrive. All we have to do is recognize our role, no matter how big or small, when deciding who gets to stay.
