Homelessness is one of the many problems that prevail in many nations. During the period of recession, many people became unemployed. They ran out of sources to pay for their bills and even send their children to school. Many people did not have the money to pay for their mortgage. Hence, a lot of them stayed anywhere – on the streets, at the communities where they can set up their camp, and even under the bridge. People believe that homelessness also trigger people to commit crimes. On the other hand, economists believe that giving homeless a place to stay will help the country save some money.
Henri Cauvin of the Washington Post wrote in his article More Families became Homeless in Recession that as the recession happened, there was also decline in the social services and increased in the number of unemployment. It is a lot to cheaper to provide homeless people a place to stay than leave them dispersed everywhere in the community. This is not simply the opinion of many advocates who are working to put an end to homelessness. This is not also simply the opinion of people left homeless. Such statement is a reality that has been a product of the study conducted across America. People have the right to have a home but incidences that unexpectedly happen caused these people to become homeless.
In Charlotte, researchers from a university in North Carolina attempted to examine a constructed apartment that was built for the homeless people. Moore place started in 2012 with only 85 units (Keyes “It Saves Millions”). People who wish to live in this area are expected to contribute at least 30% of their income, which encompasses benefits such as veterans, disability, and social security (Keyes “It Saves Millions”). The remaining housing costs approximately $14,000 for every person annually and are covered by federal and local government grants and private donors (Keyes “It Saves Millions”). In the first year, researchers discovered that Moore Place was able to save $1.8 million. These big savings are derived from improvements in incarceration and healthcare. Residents of Moore were able to access healthcare by visiting the emergency room. In addition, the number of individuals arrested reduced by 78% (Keyes “It Saves Millions”). Even though the opponents are anxious that homeless people would create problems in the apartments, only 15 tenants were asked to vacate their unit (Keyes “It Saves Millions”). Because of this success, the council of Charlotte City approved giving additional $1 million to Moore so as to expand the place by adding 35 more units (Keyes “It Saves Millions”).
Giving away homes to homeless people may not sound like it is a good idea but this has helped taxpayers save more money (Cooper and Court “100,000 Homes”). Providing apartments to many homeless individuals who have been out on the streets for several years before receiving treatment for alcohol or drug problems or mental conditions may not be a wise idea for some. However, this is done in many cities in America to target those who have been without a home for the longest period and those who are at great risk of dying. Various counties and cities affiliated with the 100,000 Homes Campaign Movement and announced that over 100,000 people have been pulled out from the streets and into their new permanent housing (Cooper and Court “100,000 Homes”). Non-profit organizations and local governments are doing their part to serve more homeless individuals. The money is derived from existing private donations and federal programs and there is evidence that such strategy has helped taxpayers save more money.
Homelessness can indeed trigger crime. But with homeless people being offered a new home where they can live comfortably and start their lives over, taxpayers will not only save money but also crimes and number of arrests will reduce. Therefore, I suggest that people who has set up a camp near the community where I live should be given decent apartments by the government and advocates of homelessness. As human beings, they, too, have the right to enjoy having a safe place to live.
Works cited
Cauvin, Henri. 'More Families Became Homeless In Recession'. Washingtonpost.com. N. p., 2011. Web. 5 Jul. 2014.
Cooper, Anderson, and Andy Court. '100,000 Homes: Housing The Homeless Saves Money | Community Solutions'. Cmtysolutions.org. N. p., 2014. Web. 5 Jul. 2014.
Keyes, Scott. 'It Saves Millions To Simply Give Homeless People A Place To Live'. Thinkprogress.org. N. p., 2014. Web. 5 Jul. 2014.
