New study gave $7,500 to 50 unhoused people.
Guess what?
"They did not spend more money on alcohol or drugs, contrary to what people believe, and instead they spent the money on rent, food, housing, transit, furniture, a used car, clothes. It's entirely the opposite of what people think they're going to do with the money."
Congrats to my UBC colleague Jiaying Zhao on this study.
#Unhoused #CashTransfers #UBC #IRES
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/a-b-c-study-gave-50-homeless-people-7-500-each-here-s-what-they-spent-it-on-1.6540030
“They did not spend more money on alcohol or drugs, contrary to what people believe, and instead they spent the money on rent, food, housing, transit, furniture, a used car, clothes. It’s entirely the opposite of what people think they’re going to do with the money.”
It economics and business the same concept is referred to as “barriers to entry”.
Basically upfront costs, regulations, or social standards that have to be overcome prior to competing in a market.
For the homeless to re-enter the job market they need: a safe permanent address, appropriate clothing, adequate food, basic furniture (bed, table, etc), internet access & telephone, haircut/styling/grooming, and transportation for several months.
If they do not have these basics they are very unlikely be hired for a job.
$7,500 is enough in most regions to overcome these initial barriers.
If the barrier is drug abuse/mental health issues, giving them $7,500 will not work until those issues are dealt with.
It economics and business the same concept is referred to as “barriers to entry”.
Basically upfront costs, regulations, or social standards that have to be overcome prior to competing in a market.
For the homeless to re-enter the job market they need: a safe permanent address, appropriate clothing, adequate food, basic furniture (bed, table, etc), internet access & telephone, haircut/styling/grooming, and transportation for several months.
If they do not have these basics they are very unlikely be hired for a job.
$7,500 is enough in most regions to overcome these initial barriers.
If the barrier is drug abuse/mental health issues, giving them $7,500 will not work until those issues are dealt with.
An insane homeless addict is still better off smoking crack with his elemental dwarf pals in an appartment than an alley.