Can we Tackle Homelessness for Good?

 Can we do it?

Can we end homelessness? For good? It may not be possible to end homelessness altogether for various reasons but mainly because it is a social phenomenon taking place everywhere in most cities and even in some rural areas. But we could significantly reduce it by undertaking a nationwide program targeting large cities with the greatest proportion of homeless. Many of us have come close to being homeless by simply being late on the rent payment. It can happen to any of us at any time. 

Not having a roof over your head is one of the worst feelings in the world.

There are currently close to 600,000 people experiencing homelessness in the United States today, and different factors play a role in no longer having a place called home: underlying issues range from loss of income, unemployment, conflicts in the home, to substance abuse or mental health.

There are existing programs out there to fight homelessness but what is missing is a program encompassing sustainable solutions, job creation for the homeless and disadvantaged, assistance programs that address the root cause of homelessness.

Housing and feeding 600,000 people for six months would cost $3.6B but a permanent housing solution for homeless could be achieved with $18.9B by securing land and building cost-efficient structures. Assuming it will take the average beneficiary a period of six months to regain a place of residence. Note these costs above do not include social re-insertion programs costs.

It is clear that merely housing and feeding recipients is not enough to really address the root cause of homelessness: this is why each beneficiary will be shadowed and supported through assistance programs put in place to accompany them in the road to re-insertion.

The construction of temporary and permanent housing will have a focus on the use of recycled construction materials, pre-manufactured panels and modules, unskilled labor for a sustainable and cost-effective plan. The program will also partner with public agencies to facilitate and reduce the cost of land use.

As a construction cost professional, I believe the development of structures where the homeless can have an opportunity to get back on their feet on their own terms is key in significantly reducing this modern-day tragedy. An important aspect of this program is the inclusion of affected communities in the program itself, many people are homeless because they lost their jobs so the program itself is a job creating solution for those affected.

Each major city with large homeless populations (NY, LA, Seattle, San Jose, Santa Clara, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Phoenix, DC, Boston) will have a dedicated team and customized programs to address the specific needs of the homeless populations. Program will evolve to include solutions not yet designed or implemented to address needs as they arise (for example insertion programs for veterans dealing with PTSD especially in Washington DC).

At this point, this program is just a pipe dream in the beta phase. We are in the team formation process, gathering ideas, support and suggestions. Each of us should give within our capacity and skill set to this cause: everyone brings something different to the table in order to achieve this worthwhile goal.

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