A Canadian study gave $7,500 to homeless people. Here's how they spent it.

[Johnny2X2X]

2. Makes perfect sense to me

Used to volunteer at the local "soup kitchen", got to know some of the people we served. Wish everyone could have a similar experience. Everyone on the street has a story, every single one. And most of their stories have some component to them that includes, "I lost my job and got behind on rent." or 'My car broke down and I lost my job and then couldn't afford rent any longer." or "I was sick and couldn't work and then got behind on bills." Most people just need an adequate sum to get back on their feet and then they won't be homeless anymore. Enough to get into an apartment, buy some clothes, feed themselves, and arrange for transportation to job interviews. $7500 is enough for most people to get back on their feet, but it's also might as well be $75 Million to a homeless person if they were trying to raise that amount themselves.

Sure, there are people on the streets with problems. Mental problems, substance abuse problems, criminal histories, etc. But boy would most people be surprised at how familiar even their stories can sound. Unless you come from generational wealth, you're closer to the street than you think. One bad break can spiral into homelessness faster than most people realize. And once you've lost it all, getting it back is so daunting.

"Just get a job!", yeah, who's hiring homeless people? If you're homeless you probably lost your clothes, don't have a plce to get cleaned up for a job interview, no transportation to an interview, etc etc. In a flash, it can all be gone and seem so far out of reach there is no hope.

We could apply this smartly nationwide, save money, and reduce homelessness by more than half within a year IMO.