PSH demonstrates economic path to ending chronic and veteran homelessness.

Last week, the County of Los Angeles released a cost-savings finding on Project 50, an ambitious campaign to move some of the region’s most vulnerable, long-term chronically homeless individuals into permanent supportive housing. The findings are similar to United Way’s 2009 Homeless Cost Study showing it’s cheaper to house individuals who are chronically homeless and affected by mental illness than have them live on the streets. Since launching in late 2007, Project 50 has cost the county $3.045 million, but generated $3.284 million in estimated savings. The program carries a net savings of $238,700 over two years proving that not only does the permanent supportive housing model save taxpayers and municipalities money, it improves the quality of life for our most vulnerable neighbors. A dedicated Action Network of like-minded non profits, agencies, businesses, faith based groups, and citizens have joined together to move all of our 51,000 homeless neighbors in L.A. County into homes.To learn more how Step Up is partnering with United Way and hundreds of community leaders to end chronic and veteran homelessness by 2016 go to homeforgoodla.org. And be sure to mark your calendars for United Way’s Sixth Annual HomeWalk with LA Lakers Honorary Chair, Kobe Bryant on Saturday, November 17th at Exposition Park.