An Advocate for the Homeless

Everyone should have a safe, stable, and decent place to live. This is the core belief of Thomas Byrne, associate professor at the School of Social Work, who leverages the University’s extensive research capabilities to seek solutions for those who are homeless, who deserve a life of dignity.

Byrne’s research focuses broadly on the causes and consequences of, and policy solutions to, homelessness and housing insecurity. His work has been published in journals including the American Journal of Public Health, Health Affairs, and Housing Policy Debate. Outside of BU, he serves as an investigator for the US Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research and at the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans.

With the number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States at an all-time high, Byrne remains a leading voice in the national conversation on the topic. For example, a recent case before the US Supreme Court focused on criminalizing people who sleep outside, giving them a ticket or jail time even when they had no place else to go. Byrne made the case that this is “cruel and unusual” punishment under the Eighth Amendment and that there are better alternatives. Ultimately, the court decided to leave such decisions in the hands of local authorities who may not be equipped to see to the nuanced needs of vulnerable people.

“There is clear evidence that we are in the midst of a growing crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity among older adults.”
—THOMAS BYRNE

Another related issue demanding attention is the risk to our aging population. Byrne says, “There is clear evidence that we are in the midst of a growing crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity among older adults.” This looming threat is partly driven by the high cost of housing, which means a rent hike can jeopardize older adults who have been stably housed their entire lives. Byrne’s research, highlighted in the New York Times, brings awareness to this emerging problem as it seeks answers and action.

The issue of homelessness is not going away, but through the socially minded research of Thomas Byrne, there is hope that everyone can feel the dignity and security a home provides.