You know the funny thing about poverty? It is pretty expensive, and it is
definitely more cost effective to just give people money and homes. Scott Keyes
discusses this for ThinkProgress.
Studies have proven this time and time again. Giving the homeless homes is more
cost effective than having to place them during weather emergencies, and that
is before the medical costs of living on the streets.
Keyes points to a new study coming out of Charlotte and the University of
North Carolina Charlotte which examines a new apartment complex what aims to
assist homeless people. Moore Place has 85 unit and was opened in 2012. The
residents are required to contribute 30% of their income as rent, which
includes benefits such as disability, veterans, or Social Security. The rest of
the housing costs are covered by a mix of both local and federal grants and
private donors, totally $14,000 per person annually.
Researchers found Moore Place saved taxpayers more than $1.8 million in
the first year. These savings come from health care and incarceration. Because
of course. The researchers found that Moore Place residents visited the
emergency room 447 fewer times in the year after getting housing. These
residents had fewer problems with the law as well; arrests dropped 78%.
Additionally, despite opponents fears, only 15 tenants got in trouble and were
asked to leave Moore Place in the first year. Due to the large success,
Charlotte City Council has unanimously approved $1 million more to Moore Place
for 120 more units.
Welp, can’t say any of this is surprising except that Charlotte is
supporting this initiative. Fingers-crossed other cities take note including
let’s say DC, with their ridiculous homelessness and housing problems. Remember
DC don’t have many beds for the homeless, which was a huge issue this past
winter because SNOW.
