Study weighs Maine homeless housing costs

Submitted by The Associated Press on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 09:32

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A new study says it's cheaper for taxpayers if government provides supportive housing for disabled, homeless people than it is to do nothing.

The Maine State Housing Authority study says urban homeless people with disabilities who find supportive housing have a 46 percent reduction in health care costs and a 50 percent reduction in social service costs. There are also significant reductions in costs for emergency room visits and jail.

In rural settings, the study finds a 37 percent reduction in social service costs, a 54 percent reduction in mental health costs and big reductions in costs for incarceration.

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Ummm ... where did you come

Submitted by sandi of on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 14:26.

Ummm ... where did you come up with "additional & new programs"?  They need to work with what they have. Which I think they do quite well with.

We can spend money on the

Submitted by Betty Davies on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 08:43.

We can spend money on the homeless up front, and avoid spending a lot more money on them later.

Or we can be short-sighted conservatives, and spend as little as possible up front, then complain our hearts out about the far bigger costs that hit us later.

Well, Sandi...I know a good

Submitted by Mainely Dysfunc... on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 21:20.

Well, Sandi...I know a good ruse written as a pretty report asking for more money.  The fact is that there is no more money.  Really, there is no extra funding for additional or new programs. The article on this "report" is to do one of two things strategically: 1) defend the current program in place against additional cuts or 2) prime the pump to ask for additional funding.  That is how this game is played, conveniently layout the arguement of how important this program is and why it is worthy financially. 

Now, do I believe that it does have some benefit.  Yes, IF IT IS STRUCTURED PROPERLY.  The problem is all the people that are indirectly feeding of this program (as well as others) who benefit from through employment.  (Note that I am not focusing on those who receive the direct benefit at this point.) There are a tremendous number of people who indirectly benefit from these programs and whose jobs depend on it.   Which leads to another discussion another day of why Maine's economy is in such lousy shape to begin with.  (Hint: no good paying jobys from producing anything of value.)

So Sandi, tell me which program we need to axe.  Just remember 80% of Maine State government is spent on DHHS and education.  Maybe we should not fund the prisons, roads, "environmental" programs, and enforcement from the other 20%.  That way we can fully fund the importance of this program.

So genius, I leave it up to you.  Which one is it going to be?

Mainely Dysfunc ... You name

Submitted by sandi of on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 19:47.

Mainely Dysfunc ... You name fits perfectly!!

It's ignorant for anyone to think if we don't help those down & out & the disabled then we may have more money in our pockets AND that is why people complain ... it's the money but think what you'd face if they were out on the street with no support..

Just imagine what it would be like if  we didn't help them ... more unhealthy people roaming around, more crime, more assaults & robberies and more filthy people.

It just makes sence to take care of their basic needs so we can have less concerns about walking around safely.

Now I am convinced!!! Don't

Submitted by Mainely Dysfunc... on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 18:38.

Now I am convinced!!! Don't show me any more information.  We should take a bond to fund these new housing projects and press forward with free housing for all.  I am sure we can come up with the funds to accomplish this new program if we figure out how to tax the air we breath.  After all CO2 is also contributing to global warming and we need to ensure people are not breathing any more than is necessary!!...Seriously, I think we need to fund this program as well.  After all, look at the good it does.