Re: " 'Housing first' best way to help homeless," Sept. 25.
As a former hospital social worker, I read with interest the article on yet another study examining a "housing first" solution to homelessness.
I read also with dismay. Social workers have been aware of the ethical, practical and financial advantages of "housing first" for well over a decade. The cost savings have not changed, with housingfirst costing between 40 to 50 per cent of what it costs the taxpayer to ignore the homeless.
We do not need more studies confirming what we already know. As a society, we require action. This applies not only to housing-first, but to sufficient seniors' housing to eliminate wasteful bed blocking across Canada; to safe injection sites; to adequate and timely rehabilitation, community and hospital services for drug addicts and alcoholics; and decriminalization of cannabis.
All of these measures would save significant taxpayer dollars, reduce human suffering and lighten the tasks of healing and protection for medical and law enforcement services.
Speak out for housing-first now. It's cheaper to do the right thing.
Hendrik de Pagter
Victoria
