Natural Disasters as a Catalyst for Social Capital examines the vastly under-explored link between natural disasters and social capital in regards to the unprecedented June 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In-depth qualitative interviews with flood victims and key informants in Cedar Rapids reveal that a resident’s perception of social capital after a natural disaster is shaped by their vulnerabilities and social mobility, which vary substantially and need to be understood contextually. This book, in highlighting the enormous impact of one disaster in a mid-sized Midwestern city, offers a framework for a new theory for why social capital shifts in societies from one generation to another: the transformative impact of shared traumas.

Natural Disasters as a Catalyst for Social Capital examines the vastly under-explored link between natural disasters and social capital in regards to the unprecedented June 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In-depth qualitative interviews with flood victims and key informants in Cedar Rapids reveal that a resident’s perception of social capital after a natural disaster is shaped by their vulnerabilities and social mobility, which vary substantially and need to be understood contextually. This book, in highlighting the enormous impact of one disaster in a mid-sized Midwestern city, offers a framework for a new theory for why social capital shifts in societies from one generation to another: the transformative impact of shared traumas.

A step-by-step guide to showing up and doing your part to end homelessness in America—engagement prompts, community tools, and “how to help in 60 seconds” ideas for taking action and making real impact with our unhoused neighbors Praise for When We Walk By: “Fresh and hopeful solutions that could affect long-lasting change."—Booklist, starred review "A must-read for anyone interested in solving the problem of homelessness." —Publishers WeeklyHomelessness is an issue that’s deeply important to most Americans—and most people want to help. But knowing what to do can be daunting: isn’t homelessness really just about mental health? Aren’t most unhoused people addicts? And what can I really do about it, anyway?The truth: No, not reallly—and more importantly, you can do a lot.Homelessness isn’t a choice, a lifestyle, or something that happens to people who “deserve” it—and myths or questions surrounding who loses their housing, why it happens, and what we can each do to support our unhoused neighbors can sometimes prevent us from showing up and taking action… even when we know we want to help.You’ll learn:Why person-first ideas—not punitive interventions—have the most impactHow most of what we’ve been told about our unhoused neighbors is wrongTop takeaways, shareable stats, and “How to Help in 60 Seconds” Quick Actions for making a difference todayHow to unpack your own preconceptions and hidden assumptions with quizzes, prompts, and exercisesAbout the importance of relationships and connections in ending homelessnessWho “the homeless” really are—and that they’re not who you thinkHow systemic forces shape the conditions that cause people to lose housing, jobs, healthcare, and dignityIn When We Walk By: The Workbook, authors Kevin Adler and Donald Burnes offer empowering, inspiring exercises that will help you gauge where you can make a difference—and help you build a comprehensive understanding of the intersecting issues that create and perpetuate homelessness in America today.

Natural Disasters as a Catalyst for Social Capital examines the vastly under-explored link between natural disasters and social capital in regards to the unprecedented June 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In-depth qualitative interviews with flood victims and key informants in Cedar Rapids reveal that a resident’s perception of social capital after a natural disaster is shaped by their vulnerabilities and social mobility, which vary substantially and need to be understood contextually. This book, in highlighting the enormous impact of one disaster in a mid-sized Midwestern city, offers a framework for a new theory for why social capital shifts in societies from one generation to another: the transformative impact of shared traumas.

Natural Disasters as a Catalyst for Social Capital examines the vastly under-explored link between natural disasters and social capital in regards to the unprecedented June 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In-depth qualitative interviews with flood victims and key informants in Cedar Rapids reveal that a resident’s perception of social capital after a natural disaster is shaped by their vulnerabilities and social mobility, which vary substantially and need to be understood contextually. This book, in highlighting the enormous impact of one disaster in a mid-sized Midwestern city, offers a framework for a new theory for why social capital shifts in societies from one generation to another: the transformative impact of shared traumas.

A step-by-step guide to showing up and doing your part to end homelessness in America—engagement prompts, community tools, and “how to help in 60 seconds” ideas for taking action and making real impact with our unhoused neighbors Praise for When We Walk By: “Fresh and hopeful solutions that could affect long-lasting change."—Booklist, starred review "A must-read for anyone interested in solving the problem of homelessness." —Publishers WeeklyHomelessness is an issue that’s deeply important to most Americans—and most people want to help. But knowing what to do can be daunting: isn’t homelessness really just about mental health? Aren’t most unhoused people addicts? And what can I really do about it, anyway?The truth: No, not reallly—and more importantly, you can do a lot.Homelessness isn’t a choice, a lifestyle, or something that happens to people who “deserve” it—and myths or questions surrounding who loses their housing, why it happens, and what we can each do to support our unhoused neighbors can sometimes prevent us from showing up and taking action… even when we know we want to help.You’ll learn:Why person-first ideas—not punitive interventions—have the most impactHow most of what we’ve been told about our unhoused neighbors is wrongTop takeaways, shareable stats, and “How to Help in 60 Seconds” Quick Actions for making a difference todayHow to unpack your own preconceptions and hidden assumptions with quizzes, prompts, and exercisesAbout the importance of relationships and connections in ending homelessnessWho “the homeless” really are—and that they’re not who you thinkHow systemic forces shape the conditions that cause people to lose housing, jobs, healthcare, and dignityIn When We Walk By: The Workbook, authors Kevin Adler and Donald Burnes offer empowering, inspiring exercises that will help you gauge where you can make a difference—and help you build a comprehensive understanding of the intersecting issues that create and perpetuate homelessness in America today.