In The Lost and the Found: Homeless Families and the Search for Home, award-winning journalist Kevin Fagan offers a powerful, compassionate examination of homelessness in America through the eyes of individuals struggling to survive. Rather than abstract policy debate, Fagan brings us face-to-face with real people navigating the often overwhelming challenge of finding stability in a system that frequently fails them.

Based on years of reporting, the book takes readers inside the lives of two individuals, Rita and Tyson, experiencing housing insecurity. Fagan writes with empathy and nuance, capturing the human side of homelessness often overlooked in public discourse: the heartbreak of eviction, the stress of transient living, the resilience required to keep hope alive, and the profound impact that stable housing can make in a person’s future.

The Lost and the Found centers on showing how interconnected relationships, caregiving, and the desire to provide for loved ones drive so many of the decisions people make when faced with uncertainty. Fagan’s narrative challenges us to rethink common assumptions about homelessness and confront the structural barriers, such as rising rents, limited affordable housing, and a lack of supportive resources, that make stability seemingly out of reach for many working people.

Why This Book Matters to HomeAid’s Mission

At HomeAid, our mission is to build new lives for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness through housing projects, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships with the building industry. The Lost and the Found echoes the realities we see daily across the country: that homelessness is not an abstract issue, but a deeply personal one affecting loved ones, neighbors, and hardworking families.

Fagan’s work underscores that:

Housing is foundational: Stability begins with a safe, dignified place to call home, something HomeAid strives to provide through hundreds of housing projects nationwide.
Solutions must be holistic: it’s not only about shelter but also about the surrounding support systems, employment, community ties, and services that help individuals rebuild.
Understanding complexity is essential: Fagan’s portraits deepen our empathy and inform how we partner with service agencies, builders, volunteers, and policy makers to craft effective solutions.

In Conversation with HomeAid’s Work

HomeAid’s approach has always been one of collaboration and compassion. Across our national network, we bring together builders, nonprofits, service providers, and volunteers to create housing that restores hope and dignity. The Lost and the Found beautifully complements this mission by putting faces and stories to the statistics we work with every day.

As HomeAid expands its educational resources and builds awareness around homelessness, books like this play a crucial role in broadening perspectives, connecting hearts, and inspiring action among staff, supporters, and the broader community.

Who Should Read This Book

The Lost and the Found is recommended for:

HomeAid staff and volunteers are seeking deeper insight into the lived experiences of individuals affected by homelessness
Supporters and partners who want to understand the interplay between housing, family stability, and community
Anyone interested in compassionate, narrative-driven explorations of social issues

In Closing
Kevin Fagan’s The Lost and the Found reminds us that behind every statistic is a person striving for a chance at stability, dignity, and belonging. This book not only informs; it invites us into a deeper understanding of the human spirit and the imperative of creating lasting solutions to homelessness.