Housing and homelessness: Solutions at the intersection of public health and public safety
Presented jointly with the Initiative on Health and Homelessness
As the cost of living rises across the United States, a record number of people experienced homelessness in 2024*, and shelter, housing, and support services are struggling to meet the need. Leaders across public health and public safety convened for this Studio conversation that moves beyond emergency response toward prevention, housing-first strategies, and long-term solutions. Grounded in lived experience and evidence, this panel explored cross-sector solutions with a focus on dignity, safety, and sustainable housing.
*Data according to National Alliance to End Homelessness State of Homelessness: 2025 edition
SPEAKERS
Gil Kerlikowske, Former Director of National Drug Control Policy under President Obama; Former Police Chief in multiple U.S. cities, including Seattle
Monica Bharel, Clinical Lead for Global Health, Public Health, and Public Sector Health, Google; Former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Peter Koutoujian, Sheriff of Middlesex County, MA
Leslie Credle, Founder of Justice4Housing in Boston
MODERATOR
Howard Koh, Harvey V. Fineberg Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
