Rethink Homelessness, 2014
This study compares the costs associated with homelessness versus supportive housing in Central Florida. The researchers explore data from a group of 107 chronically homeless individuals in Florida and conclude that each person while homeless cost $31,065 per year in inpatient hospitalizations, emergency room fees, incarceration and other systems associated with homelessness. By comparison, the report finds that supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals in Central Florida costs just $10,051 per person per year -- a 68% reduction in community costs. This study's central finding -- that it costs three times as much to leave homeless people on the street than it does to provide them with supportive housing -- led to a substantial amount of press coverage, including stories in Vox, Think Progress and the Orlando Sentinel.
Download The Cost of Long-Term Homelessness in Central Florida
Research category: Cost Savings