Rapid-rehousing of our community members experiencing homelessness has proven to be cost effective at an average amount of $1414.89. This is significantly lower than the alternative cost of combined resources in emergency services and supplies. Since January of 2015, United Way’s Home for Good program has helped 255 individuals find suitable housing, 135 of those being Veterans. While Home for Good has succeeded in housing many people and rapid-rehousing is a cost saving approach, what can we do to prevent our community members from entering the cycle of homelessness to begin with?
There are many routes that lead to homelessness. In our community, some of the most prevalent factors leading to homelessness are chronic health conditions, loss of employment, and mental health. Unfortunately, once someone becomes homeless, a costly cycle begins in which meeting basic needs is most important while saving for an improved situation becomes unattainable. Because homeless individuals often have to access emergency services and programs just to meet those basic needs, the cost rises greatly. This cycle is very difficult to break for many of individuals once it has begun.
Because of generous donations, United Way’s Home for Good program can lend a hand to those that are at risk of becoming homeless. This assistance can often prevent the beginning of the cycle and reduce the overall cost.
Rapid-rehousing of our community members experiencing homelessness has proven to be cost effective at an average amount of $1414.89. This is significantly lower than the alternative cost of combined resources in emergency services and supplies. Since January of 2015, United Way’s Home for Good program has helped 255 individuals find suitable housing, 135 of those being Veterans. Home for Good has succeeded in housing many people, and rapid-rehousing is a cost saving approach.
But what can we do to prevent our community members from entering the cycle of homelessness to begin with?
There are many routes that lead to homelessness. In our community, some of the most prevalent factors leading to homelessness are chronic health conditions, loss of employment, and mental health. Unfortunately, once someone becomes homeless, a costly cycle begins in which meeting basic needs is most important while saving for an improved situation becomes unattainable. Because homeless individuals often have to access emergency services and programs just to meet those basic needs, the cost rises greatly. This cycle is very difficult to break for many of individuals once it has begun.
Because of generous donations, United Way’s Home for Good program can lend a hand to those that are at risk of becoming homeless. This assistance can often prevent the beginning of the cycle and reduce the overall cost.
Matthew’s story is a good example. He is Veteran recently facing the threat of homelessness. He reached out to United Way’s Home for Good program and received services that gave him the boost he needed to keep himself and his 2 year-old son off the street. After leaving the Army, he found difficulty in saving enough money to have his own place. Matthew explained, “me being a single father…it was imperative that I found resources to adequately provide for not only me, but for him as well. It was life-changing for me, just having that extra push…to be successful in life.” By covering the gap in funds, Matthew and his boy have a place they can call their own.
The success of the Home for Good program means not only housing our community members experiencing homelessness but also preventing the cycle. The cost of rapid-rehousing is approximately $1414.89 while services provided to prevent homelessness costs much less, on average $547.46. Through contributions will the efforts of Home for Good be able to interrupt the cycle and truly help our friends and neighbors like Matthew.
Make a donation today to help others like Matthew.
Text HOME to 40403 or Click here to contribute
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