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Originally Posted by Oil Stain
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What is the Housing First approach?
This means that permanent housing is provided along with support services. Providing support services helps formerly homeless people maintain their housing over the long term.
Does this cost more?
Studies show it can cost upwards of $100,000 per year in health, emergency and justice system services to support a chronically homeless person. Under Housing First, it costs less than $35,000 per year to provide permanent housing and the supports they need to break the cycle of homelessness.
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I'm not opposed to this, but the article appears to sell the comparison of it costing $100,000 to support a homeless person versus $35,000 to supply them housing.
In reality I would bet because of the mental issues faced by many homeless, the taxpayer would end up paying the $35,000 in addition to health, emergency, and justice system services. In some instances the cost could end up being $35,000 + $100,000 per year.
If this program can turn even 5-10% of the homeless into productive citizens it is probably worth it, but it seems like the facts are being misrepresented a little.
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How do mental issues turn into $65,000 worth of 'care' per year? I mean sure, the support services probably cost extra on top of the $35,000, but I highly doubt it comes close to the $65,000 you mentioned.
We do need more conclusive studies done, obviously....but it seems like it can work if administered properly. Which is a whole other problem.