Many of the costs of homelessness are hidden. Everything from emergency medical services to environmental impact add up to cost taxpayers tens of thousands every year. These cost can be drastically reduced by building more supportive and low-income housing.

Housing is a Healthcare Issue

Families and individuals struggling with homelessness are more likely to need public services like emergency medical care, and are more likely to be arrested and incarcerated. Children of homeless families are at higher risk for asthma and other chronic illnesses, and nearly one fifth of homeless children repeat a grade (Institute for Children and Poverty, 2001).

Pilot programs done in Santa Clara and Los Angeles show a 75-79% reduction in service costs when chronically homeless individuals receive housing.