 | I really believe in housing first. That’s the theory that getting homeless people into their own homes should be the first step toward ending homelessness, not the eventual goal. For example, the state of Utah has almost eliminated homelessness this way. In 2005, the local government in Salt Lake City realized that it cost the city $20,000 per year to care for a person on the streets (ambulance, ER visits, shelters, police) but it only cost $8,000 per year to house a person. They built new apartments and renovated existing apartments for homeless people to move into. After moving in, residents were offered health care, job search resources, and substance abuse treatments. Now, the homeless rate in Utah has dropped 91%. |
Turns out, it’s easier to get off drugs, take your meds, and find a job if you can sleep in your own bed every night.
On Skid Row in Los Angeles, the most horrifying homeless encampment I’ve ever seen, there is just such a place. The Star Apartments were built in 2013, and have 103 studio apartments. The units were prefab, brought in and then quickly assembled into the funky structure you see. I love that it was built in the Skid Row neighborhood, where residents can be in familiar surroundings and have access to familiar resources. Inside the Star Apartment building, residents have a medical clinic, bike storage, running track, and garden.
If you take a walk in downtown Los Angeles, you might pass by this property.
Taking care of society’s most vulnerable people is always a tricky business. Housing First is a big step in the right direction.
Does your community have a Housing First property? Comments and pictures are welcome!
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On Skid Row in Los Angeles, the most horrifying homeless encampment I’ve ever seen, there is just such a place. The Star Apartments were built in 2013, and have 103 studio apartments. The units were prefab, brought in and then quickly assembled into the funky structure you see. I love that it was built in the Skid Row neighborhood, where residents can be in familiar surroundings and have access to familiar resources. Inside the Star Apartment building, residents have a medical clinic, bike storage, running track, and garden.
If you take a walk in downtown Los Angeles, you might pass by this property.
Taking care of society’s most vulnerable people is always a tricky business. Housing First is a big step in the right direction.
Does your community have a Housing First property? Comments and pictures are welcome!
Subscribe? Click here.
PREVIOUS: Book Review: Dream Cities
NEXT: MOCALA: Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles