What happens if we shift our energies from managing the problem to actually trying to end homelessness?
It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that it is cheaper and more cost effective to provide people who experience homelessness with the housing and supports they need, rather than simply provide them with emergency supports through shelters and soup kitchens. But research reviewed by Stephen Gaetz of the Canadian Homelessness Research Network indicates that this is actually the case.
The best social and economic policies should be based on research and evidence, and in this case, the evidence points to the fact that if we do things differently, we not only achieve better social outcomes, but we also save money.
We speak with Stephen Gaetz, director of the Canadian Homelessness Research Network and an associate professor at York University in Toronto.
RELATED | Video: The Real Cost of Homelessness | Read the research report in PDF format | The Globe and Mail: Housing homeless cheaper, more effective than status quo: study | Metronews: B.C. could learn from Alberta how to save on costs of homelessness: expert | Toronto Star: Giving the homeless a place to live costs less than providing shelters and emergency services |
