The surprisingly simple way Utah solved chronic homelessness and saved millions

[freshwest]

9. Seattle did. They were widely dissed by talk radio for building a 'drunk motel' for people who were

unable to break their addictions in spite of years of drehabilitation programs. I think the standard was 7 failures.

It was supported by the Catholic Diocese of Seattle, as people were dying of hypothermia at the time downtown. The people in the upscale housing, where some high rise condos start at a million, didn't like them living on the sidewalk, either.

And the cost of their trips to ER's, being jailed for whatever, was far less than giving them guilt free housing without any expectation except being peaceful, IIRC at the time.

The rightwing hate radio claimed the bleeding heart liberals were going to provide faucets in the apartments that dispensed 'free wine for the winos,' on the taxpayer's dime. Rightwingers didn't see the big picture, that it not only benefited the tenants, but the very well off and you know they love them.

The RW refuses to acknowledge the way government could make a difference for those whose brains would never be able to escape their addictions. Having a roof over one's head changes everything in a person's life for the better and that of those around them who can't cure them.

Arizona also built apartments for those trying to get on their feet. When they finally had the security of knowing where they would sleep at night, a bed, bath and kitchen to take care of basic needs, many improved to the point of going to school to learn new skills and have jobs. All from having housing.

This is not rocket science, but it does require leaving behind the punitive, petty, conservative mindset.