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Systems Thinking

Everything is interconnected. Systems Thinking looks at problems—like homelessness—as part of a larger system or systems rather than a single isolated issue. A system is defined as a group of interconnected elements with a specific purpose or goal.

A Systems Thinking approach

  • 1. Enables diverse stakeholders to integrate their points of view and collaborate at a new level.
  • 2. Shows how multiple solutions can work together to support each other.
  • 3. Motivates people to implement demonstrable solutions that might not be in their immediate self-interest.

The late Donella Meadows reminds us that Systems Thinking models do not exactly predict the future, but they do provide a lens to help us see how different factors (economics, public policy, education, substance abuse, faith based efforts, population size, etc.) all interact over time. The models help us see where short term solutions may in the end be harmful to the whole system or how some solutions may have time delays before results are evident.

A systemic approach does not replace specific solutions to homelessness. For example, we know that prevention efforts work. We know that Housing First works and that a number of other specific homeless programs work too. A systemic approach complements those and other efforts.

Give US Your Poor works to bring Systems Thinking into efforts (private and public) to prevent and end homelessness. We are pleased to partner with leading systems thinker author and trainer David Peter Stroh of Bridgeway Partners in applying systems thinking to homelessness.

Links to Systems Thinking Resources