National Expert on Homelessness to Present Jan. 27 Cannon Lecture

National Expert on Homelessness to Present Jan. 27 Cannon Lecture

The University of Toledo College of Law will welcome a national expert and advocate on homelessness to present the 2026 Cannon Lecture.

Dr. Sam Tsemberis, CEO of the California-based Pathways Housing First Institute, will present "Homelessness Services at a Crossroads: What Happens When Evidence and Policy Collide?" at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the McQuade Law Auditorium.

The College of Law will screen the documentary "Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness," directed by Don Sawyer, ahead of his lecture at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.

"Dr. Sam Tsemberis brings invaluable experience to engage in a discussion on the most effective ways to combat homelessness in our communities," said Rebecca Zietlow, dean of the College of Law. "We're looking forward to his insights into the direction of future programs and policies in the 2026 Cannon Lecture."

Tsemberis, who also serves on the faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles, is the community-clinical psychologist behind the widely adopted and research-backed model known as Housing First. Built on the belief that housing is a basic human right, Housing First prioritizes providing permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness without mandating participation in additional services.

Housing First was drawn into a national debate this summer with the announcement of an executive order, "Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets," that calls for the elimination of support for programs aligned with this model and the expansion of law enforcement and mandated treatment approaches.

In his free, public lecture at UToledo, Tsemberis will discuss the competing policy narratives shaping the national debate over Housing First; the legal, ethical and practical consequences of replacing housing solutions with enforcement-based approaches; and lessons from communities that have successfully implemented Housing First.

"Homelessness Services at a Crossroads" continues the Cannon Lecture Series that hosts nationally known scholars who explore both the humanistic dimensions and limitations of our legal system. It was established in 1980 to honor former Toledo attorney Joseph A. Cannon.

Visitor parking for the film screening and lecture requires payment through the ParkMobile app, a parking meter or a daily permit via ParkUToledo. Visit the ParkUToledo website for more information.

For more information, visit the Cannon Lecture Series website.