Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > 'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In this episode from NPR's Book of the Day, Kevin Fagan explores the complex realities of homelessness in San Francisco through the stories of Rita and Tyson. Through their individual journeys—from troubled relationships and drug use to life on the streets—the summary reveals how people experiencing homelessness form crucial support networks and why accepting help can be challenging despite having willing family members.

The summary also examines broader systemic factors contributing to the homelessness crisis, including the closure of mental health institutions in the 1970s, cuts to social services during the Reagan administration, and ongoing issues with affordable housing. Fagan suggests that addressing homelessness requires coordinated federal action, as local and state measures alone cannot adequately address the interconnected challenges of housing, healthcare, and living wages.

Listen to the original

'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 14, 2025 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

1-Page Summary

Stories of Homelessness: Rita and Tyson

Rita's journey into homelessness began in Florida, where her marriage and subsequent heroin use set her on a difficult path. After her divorce, increasing drug use and troubled relationships eventually led her to the streets of San Francisco. Similarly, Tyson, despite his privileged background in a wealthy California suburb, struggled with undiagnosed bipolar disorder that led to drug use—first cocaine, then heroin and [restricted term]. Both found themselves trapped in chronic homelessness after exhausting support from family and friends.

"Found Family" and Social Support for the Homeless

In the harsh reality of street life, homeless individuals like Rita and Tyson form tight-knit groups that function as "found families." These relationships prove crucial for survival, particularly for vulnerable individuals like Rita. While both had family and friends willing to help, the entrenchment in street life and distrust of systems made accepting assistance difficult. However, the mounting challenges of homelessness eventually began wearing them down, making them more receptive to accepting help.

Causes of Homelessness: Deinstitutionalization, Social Service Cuts, Lack of Affordable Housing

Kevin Fagan traces the roots of the current homelessness crisis to several key factors. He points to the closure of mental institutions in the 1970s and under the Reagan administration, which left many mentally ill individuals without proper support. The situation worsened in the early 1980s when Reagan's administration cut social service programs, making it increasingly difficult for people in poverty to maintain stable housing. Fagan argues that addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive federal approach, as local and state measures alone cannot effectively tackle issues of affordable housing, healthcare, and living wages.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The individual choices and behaviors of Rita and Tyson played a significant role in their descent into homelessness, and personal accountability should not be overlooked.
  • The concept of "found families" among the homeless may not always be positive, as these groups can sometimes perpetuate unhealthy behaviors or dynamics.
  • There are instances where homeless individuals have successfully accepted help and transitioned out of homelessness, suggesting that distrust of systems is not insurmountable.
  • The deinstitutionalization movement was also driven by a humanitarian concern for the rights of the mentally ill, and not solely by budget cuts or policy changes.
  • Some argue that the cuts to social services during the Reagan administration were part of a broader shift towards encouraging personal responsibility and reducing government dependency.
  • There are views that suggest local and state initiatives can be more effective than federal approaches due to their closer understanding of the specific needs and challenges of their communities.
  • The issue of homelessness is complex and multifaceted, and some argue that focusing solely on affordable housing, healthcare, and living wages may not address other critical factors such as addiction treatment and mental health services.
  • It is possible that some individuals experiencing homelessness may not fully utilize available resources due to barriers other than distrust, such as lack of information or accessibility issues.

Actionables

  • You can volunteer to be a companion for someone experiencing homelessness, offering consistent social interaction and support. By becoming a reliable presence in their lives, you help combat the isolation and distrust that often accompany life on the streets. For example, commit to weekly meet-ups for coffee or a meal, providing an opportunity for conversation and connection.
  • Start a small-scale initiative to provide "birthday boxes" for individuals experiencing homelessness, which could include basic necessities and a few personal items. This gesture acknowledges their humanity and can be a bridge to forming trust. You might fill a shoebox with toiletries, socks, snacks, and a handwritten birthday card.
  • Educate yourself on local policies and initiatives regarding affordable housing and mental health services, then write informed letters to your representatives advocating for comprehensive solutions. By expressing your concerns and suggestions, you contribute to the political pressure needed to drive change. Keep your letters concise, focusing on the need for a multi-faceted approach to homelessness that includes housing, healthcare, and living wages.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

Stories of Homelessness: Rita and Tyson

Rita's Descent Into Chronic Homelessness

Rita's Downward Spiral Into Homelessness in San Francisco due to Drugs and an Abusive Relationship

Rita's life once included athletics, friendships, and beauty. She found herself married to a great fisherman in Florida, where they both developed a liking for heroin. Following her divorce, a combination of increased drug use and a series of bad relationships sent her life into a downward spiral. Ultimately, this descent into drug addiction led her to chronic homelessness. She found herself in San Francisco with a boyfriend who, in the end, abandoned her, leaving her alone and homeless.

Tyson's Struggle With Mental Health and Addiction

Tyson's Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder Led To Drugs and Homelessness

Tyson's background was one of affluence, coming from a wealthy suburb in California where success seemed a given. Yet, after high school, likely due to an undiagnosed bipolar disorder, he found him ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Stories of Homelessness: Rita and Tyson

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can create a personal risk assessment chart to identify potential vulnerabilities in your life that could lead to substance abuse or homelessness. Start by listing factors such as financial stability, mental health, support systems, and personal habits. Rate each factor on a scale from stable to at-risk, and develop a plan to strengthen areas where you're vulnerable. For example, if you find your support system lacking, consider joining community groups or seeking out a mentor.
  • Develop a "What If" emergency plan that outlines steps to take if you find yourself facing a crisis similar to those described. This plan should include emergency contacts, local resources for food and shelter, and steps to access mental health services. Keep a physical copy in your wallet and a digital copy on your phone. For instance, if you're worried about financial instability, your plan might include the contact information for local employment agencies or financial counseling services.
  • Engage in a monthly "lifestyle audit" where yo ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

"Found Family" and Social Support for the Homeless

The necessity of community and belonging is particularly acute in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. This is evident when examining the support structures and systems that homeless individuals create among themselves.

Need For Community and Belonging Among Homeless

Homeless Individuals Form Tight-Knit Groups and "Found Families" for Survival and Support

On the streets, individuals like Rita and Tyson have formed strong ties with other unhoused people, constructing their own versions of "found families." For Rita, these solid bonds have been essential for survival, especially as a woman in a vulnerable situation. For Tyson, his involvement in these groups has led him to assume a leadership role, offering support and guidance within his tight-knit circle. These relationships often form as a means of survival and provide a vital network of support, aiding one another through the day-to-day struggles of life without stable housing.

Challenges Of Accepting Help From Family and Friends

Rita and Tyson Resisted Leaving the Streets, Entrenched In Survival Mode and Reluctant to Trust the System

Despite the presence of relatives and friends willing to assist them, Rita and Tyson found it challenging to leave the streets be ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

"Found Family" and Social Support for the Homeless

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The concept of "found families" among the homeless may not always lead to positive outcomes; such groups can sometimes reinforce negative behaviors or become insular, limiting members' willingness to seek external support or services.
  • The idea that all homeless individuals resist help due to distrust in the system may be an oversimplification; some may have had direct negative experiences with support systems that justify their reluctance.
  • The narrative that drug use is a common factor among the homeless can perpetuate stereotypes; not all homeless individuals struggle with substance abuse, and focusing on this aspect may overshadow other systemic issues contributing to homelessness.
  • The portrayal of homeless individuals as being in a constant state of "survival mode" may not capture the full range of experiences and agency that these individuals have; some may be actively working towards change or improvement in their circumstances.
  • The suggestion that the harshness of street ...

Actionables

  • You can foster a sense of community by creating a 'buddy system' within your neighborhood, pairing up to check on each other, especially the elderly or those living alone. This mirrors the support found in homeless communities, providing a safety net for those who might be vulnerable. For example, you and a neighbor could agree to check in with each other once a week, whether through a phone call or a quick visit, to ensure each other's well-being.
  • Start a small-scale barter system among friends to exchange skills and services without money changing hands, reflecting the mutual aid seen in tight-knit groups of homeless individuals. For instance, if you're good at cooking and a friend excels at fixing things, you could offer to cook a meal in exchange for some household repairs, fostering a supportive network.
  • Volunteer your time to mentor someone ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
'The Lost and the Found' takes an intimate look at homelessness in San Francisco

Causes of Homelessness: Deinstitutionalization, Social Service Cuts, Lack of Affordable Housing

Kevin Fagan sheds light on the historical and policy roots of homelessness, highlighting the role of deinstitutionalization, social service cuts, and insufficient affordable housing.

Deinstitutionalization and Mental Health Support Lapses

Reagan's Closure of Mental Institutions Left Mentally Ill Individuals on the Streets, Fueling the Homelessness Crisis

Fagan describes that the 1970s saw a pull down of mental institutions, which left many mentally ill individuals without proper care and support, leading them to end up on the streets. This situation was aggravated under the Reagan administration in the 1980s, during which more institutions were closed. Although there was an initial intention to transition individuals into board and care homes with the aid of new psychotropic drugs, the necessary funding to support these alternatives did not materialize.

Social Services Cuts and Affordable Housing Decline

Cuts To Social Services and Lack of Affordable Housing Worsen Homelessness, Hindering Stable Living for the Poor

In the early 1980s, the Reagan administration significantly cut social service programs, according to Fagan. These cuts played a key role in exacerbating the homelessness crisis by making it tougher for those in poverty to secure stable living conditions. He notes that these federal cuts have resulted in localities and states attempting to manage homelessness with short-term solutions, often unable to address the deeper underlying issues due to a lack of soci ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Causes of Homelessness: Deinstitutionalization, Social Service Cuts, Lack of Affordable Housing

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The role of deinstitutionalization in contributing to homelessness can be complex, with some arguing that the lack of community-based services rather than the closure of institutions per se is the primary issue.
  • It could be argued that the Reagan administration's policies on mental health were part of a broader shift towards community-based treatment and that failures in implementation rather than the policy direction itself led to negative outcomes.
  • Some might contend that social service cuts are not the sole reason for worsening homelessness, pointing to economic factors, personal circumstances, and the role of individual responsibility.
  • The issue of affordable housing is multifaceted, and some may argue that market forces, local zoning laws, and community resistance to development also play significant roles in the housing crisis.
  • While a federal policy shift may be necessary, others might argue that local and state governments are better positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their homeless population ...

Actionables

  • You can volunteer with organizations that provide legal aid to advocate for policy changes that support the homeless. By assisting these groups, you contribute to efforts that push for the creation of comprehensive federal policies to address homelessness. For example, you might help draft letters to legislators or gather signatures for petitions that call for increased funding for affordable housing and mental health services.
  • Consider donating to or supporting housing-first initiatives in your community. These programs focus on providing stable housing as a primary solution for homelessness, which aligns with the need for affordable housing options. Your contribution, whether financial or through advocacy, can help expand the availability of such programs, which directly tackle one of the root causes of homelessness.
  • Educate yourself on the history and current state of mental health care and homelessness t ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA