These programs have existed in several large US cities for over a decade. They’re not well known, though. Usually people who live in a city with one of these programs think that their city is unique for having done it.
The programs do help, but they’re not a magic bullet for all homelessness. I have a group of friends who have made careers in this space. Sadly, getting housing for these people is only half the of the solution. The temporary homeless really do use these housing units as a springboard to get back on their feet, usually moving out as they get their lives in order. The challenge is the rest of the residents who aren’t interested in even free services to help get them change their lives or overcome their issues. It’s also a challenge to get some of the residents to cooperate with the rules of these housing units (which aren’t different than regular rentals, nothing onerous).
> The challenge is the rest of the residents who aren’t interested in even free services to help get them change their lives or overcome their issues.
As I understand it, the trick is to just accept that these people exist and still need a roof over their head. Turns out that’s cheaper than policing them when living on the streets.
The programs do help, but they’re not a magic bullet for all homelessness. I have a group of friends who have made careers in this space. Sadly, getting housing for these people is only half the of the solution. The temporary homeless really do use these housing units as a springboard to get back on their feet, usually moving out as they get their lives in order. The challenge is the rest of the residents who aren’t interested in even free services to help get them change their lives or overcome their issues. It’s also a challenge to get some of the residents to cooperate with the rules of these housing units (which aren’t different than regular rentals, nothing onerous).