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Homelessness: Cost Analysis of Homelessness
A rough estimate suggests Canadians are spending about $1-billion a year in taxes to deal with the homelessness crisis. It has been estimated that to virtually eradicate homelessness, it would cost all levels of government in Canada $3.5 billion. The money would pay for affordable housing, income support (like social assistance) and some support services.

It is estimated that is costs 33% more to provide health care, criminal justice and social services to a homeless person than to house an unemployed individual ($24,000 a year, compared to $18,000 a year). Providing emergency services is more expensive than housing an individual and providing the services required to keep them housed.

Average costs can be broken down as follows:

Emergency services for the homeless (per diem costs):

A provincial correctional facility - $155-$250

Psychiatric hospital - $380 average

Emergency homeless shelter, which include...d meals and services - $60-$85

Detox centers $80-$185

Mental health residential facilities - $140-$191

Supportive housing for the homeless (per diem costs):

Enhanced self-contained apartment with support on site - $67-$88

Self-contained apartment – mini-suite/bachelor - $14-$20

Self-contained apartment - no support - $25-$35

AUTHOR: Power, Asetha (2008) Homeless Hub. [Show More][Show Less]
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A Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) initiative. The CHRN has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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