Why not have assisted living facilities for the homeless?

Question

OK, we all know that a very large number of homeless people are not employable because they have mental problems and/or they are hooked on drugs or alcohol. They cannot afford medical care or medication to treat these problems. They have no family who will house them because they are h**l to live with. These kinds of people used to be committed to insane asylums, but that is no longer legal, and the institutions are all closed.

What if the government established facilities where they could live, but be required to take medication, not alcohol or illegal drugs? It would give them a place to stay, help them get better and back on their feet.

If they are not homeless, this could get them out of the family homes where they cause trouble. If they are on SSI, they would exchange that income for a better place to live, which would help fund the project.

Answer 1

Great idea, but in the 80s the Great Ronald Reagan (hah!) was cutting programs that were literally dumping people on the street.  I have a friend who worked in a public area during that period and every week saw people dropped off on a corner with a week's worth of meds.  Some disappeared immediatly (due to "hawks" and the complete inability to care for themselves especially after years of institutionalization), some came and went, and some never left the area.  

There are some new programs that do not require people to be "dry" to participate in.  It gives them a living space and allows them to keep on using.  There has actually been quite a bit of success with these people cleaning up just from being given this opportunity.

Answer 2

I do not think the little they could get from ssi from those that qualify for it would cover the basic needs, medical needs and salaries of those working in the facilities let alone rent and utilities.

Plus many wouldn't be interested in living there. Some people do not WANT to take their meds because of how they make them feel. Others don't want to live by someone else rules.

Plus where are you going to put these facilities?? Many people are going to be shouting "not in my back yard".

In theory it seems like a good idea but I just don't think it would work.

Answer 3

Great idea, but not practical.

Cost. AL places cost a lot- staff especially. SSI would not come close to covering it.

Freedom. As adults, unless the courts said otherwise, they have the freedom to come or go, take meds or not. it would take a court order to force them to get treatment- and we are basically back to a prison or institution.

Staffing. Family won't live with them, and they are not generally neat and clean house guests. What would YOU want to get paid to work at a place like that? It is hard enough to staff AL places for the elderly and disabled.