Homelessness Prevention is More Cost Effective Than Shelters

"A new federal survey finds that housing the homeless in emergency shelters can be more costly than the typical cost of rent or transitional housing.

For Grand Rapids, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is just under $600, compared to a cost of $744 a month at the Guiding Light Mission.

And while the mission also offers three meals a deal and day shelter for that cost, Executive Director Stuart Ray said the point is this: It costs more to house the homeless than prevent the loss of a home in the first place.

"My belief system says we ought to do everything we can to help people reach their full potential. This is the last place they want to be.""

For the full article, see the Grand Rapids Press at:

www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/04/federal_survey_finds_homelessn.html