A future in which doctors prescribe housing as a treatment for chronic homelessness may be difficult for some to imagine. But as more communities — and healthcare providers — embrace a multifaceted approach to addressing homelessness, that scenario may not seem so far-fetched.

Jana Rinaldi is a landlord in Santa Cruz County. She shared what it’s like working with Housing Matters as a landlord and why she now prioritizes Housing Matters participants as her tenants. She hopes this perspective will encourage other landlords to consider renting to families and individuals experiencing homelessness.