To: The Tennessee State Senate and Governor Bill Lee
End Chronic Homelessness in Tennessee
Homelessness is at an all time high with a shifting economy. It has plagued America for too long. Through free or affordable housing homeless populations CAN become self-reliant and get out of the poverty trap. Utah is successfully providing housing for its homeless and Tennessee should, too. Utah has proven that housing costs the state less than the consequences of having people live without stable housing. WE can make a difference. We are asking that the State Government of Tennessee initiate a housing program to provide housing to its homeless community with a special focus on the chronically homeless.
Why is this important?
-According to the 2014 Annual Homeless Assessment Report 1-2.9% of Tennessee's population is chronically homeless.
-It costs the state $30,000-50,000 per chronically homeless person annually due to incarcerations, mental institute visits, and shelter accommodations.
-Utah has reduced its homeless population by 91% through a free housing initiative called "Housing First."
-It costs the state $30,000-50,000 per chronically homeless person annually due to incarcerations, mental institute visits, and shelter accommodations.
-Utah has reduced its homeless population by 91% through a free housing initiative called "Housing First."