Frequent Users of Jail and Shelter Systems in the District of Columbia

Urban Institute Justice and Policy Center

This research brief explores the cost-saving potential of supportive housing for frequent users of jails and emergency shelters in Washington, DC. To conduct their analysis, the authors use existing data from the District of Columbia Frequent Users Service Enhancement (FUSE) Pilot Program. They find that the typical frequent user costs DC $8,607 a year through jail and shelter expenses. After one year in the FUSE program, however, the average frequent user generates $2,691 less in these public expenses. These savings, the authors note, "do not include the potentially significant cost savings that would result from reduced emergency health and psychiatric service use." The report was written by Douglas Gilchrist-Scott and Jocelyn Fontaine.

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Research category: Cost Savings