Not Paying For Housing Is More Expensive Than You Think


Denver’s “Housing First” program, Social Impact Bond, prioritizes getting people experiencing chronic homelessness housed over sobriety or work requirements. The program has housed 300 people since 2016, 99% of whom remain in the program. The approach has saved Denver millions of dollars because providing housing is far more cost effective than paying for emergency room care, the jail system, and shelters. “Housing First” programs work because once people are off the streets they are no longer exposed to daily traumas or focused on immediate survival, which allows people to make substantial life changes.

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