Books, books and more books about family homelessness!
Just the bare facts, not a bookstore!
Over the past 20 years, I’ve written some much-needed books about family homelessness. They’re listed here, with brief descriptions and scant information on how to get ahold of them (further proving I’m not trying to turn my Medium page into a bookshop). Feel free to reach out to me for more info.
Making Bad a Little Better — The Least We Can Do to Ease Family Homelessness
My newest book! I start with the premise that most people know little about family homelessness, even though families in various homeless situations are everywhere. To start with, it’s a definition thing that even befuddles the families themselves.
How we ended up with literally millions of families in homelessness is another topic I cover. Without delving deep into social sciences, readers will learn some of the causes.
By Diane D. Nilan
Publisher: HEAR US Inc.
March 2026, ebook
June 2026, paperback EAN 979–8–234–08193-3
The Three Melissas — The Practical Guide to Surviving Family Homelessness
The first book by homeless moms for homeless moms*
(*parents, guardians). A frank and helpful guide to not only inform parents about homelessness, but to give educators and service providers insights into what many know nothing about. The three Melissas put their hearts into this book, and they get the proceeds from book sales.
Edited by Diana Bowman, Diane D. Nilan
Publisher: Charles Bruce Foundation 2024
EAN 9798988181682
Dismazed and Driven — My Look at Family Homelessness in America
“Few people know as much about families experiencing homelessness as Diane. But she points us to the real experts — the families she met and interviewed in her 15 years on the road. They openly describe realities they endure, enlightening and inspiring all who listen.
“Diane shares stories from her 15 years on America’s backroads as she chronicled family homelessness. Living full-time in a small van, her solo travel to non-urban locales included adventures and unforgettable encounters.” (HEAR US website)
By Diane D. Nilan
Publisher: Charles Bruce Foundation 2020
EAN 9781735631714
Changing the Paradigm of Homelessness offers a comprehensive look at family housing distress related to the homelessness epidemic in the United States. This book explores the causes and consequences of this epidemic and proposes drastic changes in America’s historically ill-fated approach to family homelessness. By describing this crisis in detail, the authors enlighten readers to the scope of this issue, describe those impacted by it, and outline ways to shift public policies and public perceptions. The authors interweave scholarly concepts with insights of those who are currently or previously homeless, and, in doing so, they show the importance of academic knowledge influencing policy decisions and the ways in which these influences impact the lives of real persons. This book, then, uses pedagogy, policy, and pragmatism to critique the United States’ approach to family homelessness.
Authors: Yvonne Vissing, Christopher Hudson, Diane Nilan
Publisher: Routledge 2019
EAN/UPC 9781138362987
The Charlie Book: 60 Ways to Help Homeless Kids
This concise handbook provides the know-how for adults and kids, civic organizations and faith communities, scout troops and neighborhood associations to make a viable difference in their local communities for the mostly invisible families and youth experiencing a variety of shapes of homelessness.
By: Diana Bowman
Editor, Photographer: Diane D. Nilan
Publisher: HEAR US Inc. 2016.
Crossing the Line: Taking Steps to End Homelessness
My first book gives a glimpse into the people I met while I ran shelters (from 1987–2003). It also highlights the story of how Illinois became the first state to pass a law to strengthen rights of students experiencing homelessness. That law became the core of the current McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act.
By Diane D. Nilan
Publisher: Booklocker 2005
EAN 9781591138365
Not one of my books, but it’s my favorite, most admired book about family homelessness available today — and a Pulitzer winner!
There Is No Place for Us — Working and Homeless in America
Brian Goldstone’s much-lauded — and Pulitzer winner — book has given the issue of family homelessness, particularly as it impacts those working and unable to attain/maintain housing, a level of visibility and credibility that I could have only dreamt about. He has been on an arduous national book tour since his book hit the stacks. I’ve heard him speak twice, and he’s warmed my heart with his grasp of the humanity of this issue as well as the scope and impact.
By Brian Goldstone
Publisher: Penguin Random House 2025
