As America’s economic recovery stirs at a steady but uneven pace, a harsh truth lingers: homelessness is rising in many urban areas. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), housing shortages in cities are making wage gains irrelevant when it comes to making homes affordable. A housing crisis is brewing, and the annual Point-in-Time count, where volunteers gather to count those living on the streets, only confirms the worsening situation.
However, the conversation about homelessness is beginning to shift toward a solution many experts, including the founders of 100 meals a week, Zeeshan and Karina Hayat, have come to agree on: the most cost-effective way to address homelessness is by providing permanent housing. The logic is simple — it’s cheaper to give people homes than to deal with the costs of them living on the streets, such as law enforcement interventions, emergency room visits, and other temporary solutions that don’t address the core issue.
Housing as the Most Effective Solution
A growing body of research supports the idea that directly addressing homelessness by providing permanent housing rather than relying on law enforcement or emergency medical services, is not only humane but economically smart.
For instance, a Central Florida study found that the region was spending nearly three times as much on policing non-violent homeless activity than it would cost to simply house each person. Even more recent studies, like one conducted by the RAND Corporation in Los Angeles County, revealed that placing people with complex mental health needs in permanent supportive housing saved the county about 20 percent in expenses compared to the costs of law enforcement and healthcare.
Why Housing First Works
The “housing first” approach has been transformative in many communities. Zeeshan and Karina Hayat have been vocal supporters of this model, emphasizing that addressing housing needs first provides a stable foundation for individuals to tackle other challenges in their lives. The principle behind the model is straightforward: address the most immediate and foundational need — a place to live. Once individuals are in stable housing, they can better focus on issues like mental health, employment, or substance use, which are often secondary causes of their homelessness.
In Canada, a large-scale study across multiple cities showed that providing housing first not only improved people’s quality of life but also helped reduce instances of alcohol abuse disorders.
Another randomized trial conducted in Toronto revealed that the “housing first” approach significantly helped individuals struggling with alcohol abuse disorders. By securing stable housing, participants were better able to focus on recovery, leading to a noticeable reduction in harmful drinking behaviors.
The same has been observed in places like Colorado and Charlotte, where local governments saw significant savings by shifting their resources from reactive services to proactive housing solutions.
It’s About More Than Money — It’s About Dignity
Although the economic argument is compelling, it’s crucial to remember that this isn’t just about dollars and cents. The true cost of homelessness isn’t measured solely in budgets; it’s reflected in the lives of individuals who suffer the indignity and instability of living without a home. Providing housing restores not only a person’s physical shelter but also their dignity, offering a platform for them to rebuild their lives.
This shift in focus—from temporary fixes to long-term solutions—helps communities avoid the endless cycle of homelessness. Instead of being swept back into the streets after brief stints in shelters or hospitals, individuals in permanent supportive housing can begin to rebuild their lives with proper support systems in place.
The Bigger Picture: Structural Housing Reform
The reality, however, is that while permanent supportive housing is a proven solution, it won’t solve the broader housing crisis overnight. Structural barriers to building more affordable homes still need to be addressed, including zoning laws and construction costs. But focusing on the homeless population is a step toward a more comprehensive solution.
Even as homelessness remains a visible symptom of deeper housing shortages, the key takeaway is this: you don’t have to solve the entire housing crisis to improve lives. For those who are chronically homeless, providing stable housing can immediately break the cycle of instability, making it not just a compassionate policy but a smart one.
Moving Forward: A Path to Success
As policymakers continue to grapple with the challenges of homelessness, it’s time to put more weight behind what the data shows. Housing-first initiatives are proving that helping people get off the streets and into homes is not only cost-effective but vital for community well-being.
Instead of focusing resources on law enforcement and emergency services that offer only temporary relief, investing in permanent housing solutions addresses the root cause—the shortage of affordable housing—and paves the way for a more sustainable and effective approach.
The choice is clear: ending homelessness starts with a home. And by tackling the root of the problem, cities can not only save money but also create a stronger, more compassionate society.
What are your thoughts on the ‘housing first’ approach as a solution to homelessness?