1. © 2012 Boise State University1 The Politics of Homelessness or, The Road to Hell: why good intentions are not enough Dr. Stephanie Witt Professor of Public Policy and Administration

2. © 2012 Boise State University2 Homelessness is a “wicked problem”

3. © 2012 Boise State University3 Some characteristics of wicked problems There is no definitive formulation of a wicked problem Wicked problems have no stopping rule Solutions to wicked problems are not true-or- false, but good-or-bad Every wicked problem can be considered to be a symptom of another problem Horst W.J. Rittel and Melvin M. Webber “Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning,” Policy Sciences (1973).

4. © 2012 Boise State University4 Wicked problems require collaboration Homelessness Federal agencies City governments Nonprofits and FBOs State agencies

5. © 2012 Boise State University5 Collaboration=goat rodeo

6. © 2012 Boise State University6 Goat Rodeo A chaotic situation, often one that involves several people, each with a different agenda/vision/perception of what's going on; a situation that is very difficult, despite energy and efforts, to instill any sense or order into

7. © 2012 Boise State University7 When collaborations fail Services to clients are cut Bad feelings result Lawsuits are filed Duplication of efforts Confusion among clients and donors

8. © 2012 Boise State University8 What makes collaborations work? Governance: Who makes decisions? How are costs and benefits distributed? Administration: clear roles and responsibilities, good communication Autonomy of each participant protected Mutuality of interests shared by participants Trust and reciprocity: the participants trust each other

9. © 2012 Boise State University9 Mission control

10. © 2012 Boise State University10 Mission un-control HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Boise Rescue Mission Ministries reaches out to the community by teaching the word of God and providing food, shelter, clothing, counseling, and education for the homeless and others in need IDHW: to promote and protect the health and safety of Idahoans.

11. © 2012 Boise State University11 Accountability

12. © 2012 Boise State University12 Accountability : what’s driving you? $ Audits Performance Audits Public hearings Public records Elected officials Citizens God Diocese/Stake Souls saved Members gained Existing members Board of Directors Donors Grantors Clients

13. © 2012 Boise State University13 Timing is everything: fiscal years Fed: Oct 1 State: July 1 City: Oct 1 County: Jan. 1 (53%) July 1 (20%) Other (27%) ???? http://leadnet.org/blog/post/73_of_surveyed_churches_expect_to_meet_budget

14. © 2012 Boise State University14 Time horizons Electoral cycleEternity?Board appointments Fund drives Grant duration

15. © 2012 Boise State University15 Effective collaborators – Shift from command and control to cooperation and persuasion – Understand the factors driving the point of view of the other participants – Understand that collaboration will take more time than doing something on one’s own

16. © 2012 Boise State University16 THANK YOU Stephanie Witt, Professor Email switt@boisestate.edu