There is clear evidence that homeless Americans, many with mental health issues, are arrested for minor crimes and sent to jail, only to be released to start the cycle again. Of course, not all of those who find themselves homeless have mental health issues, but the problem of homelessness is so prevalent across the country that a term that almost makes light of the situation is used to describe those caught in the revolving door between homelessness/mental illness and incarceration – frequent flyers.
In a blog for Colorado CURE, Carolyn Cosmos tells of Colorado’s Housing First organization which plans to provide apartments for 31 of Boulder’s chronically homeless citizens. Cosmos relates that Housing First has a proven track record for not only offering a safer, more comfortable environment than the streets or a shelter for the formerly homeless to dwell, but also attaches an added component designed to help the residents obtain needed services.
When the Boulder City Council voted to approve the Lee Hill housing project, perhaps they were focused on how much money taxpayers will save on legal and correctional costs. Advocates for the homeless, however, are most likely focused on how many lives can be turned around.
Source: Colorado CURE
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