Abstract

In 2012, 633,782 people were homeless in the United States. Over the last five years, the number of homeless has steadily declined, according to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR 2012), but what is the most effective way to reduce homelessness? The goal of this research project is to determine whether traditional Continuum of Care programs, or Housing First programs should be used to address homelessness. The hypothesis of this paper is that increasing government in-kind subsidies that are used to house the homeless through the Housing First program will create more utility for the homeless than the Continuum of Care program, and lead to recovery. Based on the results of this paper, Housing First beds have a negative, and significant, effect on State Homelessness; available Continuum of Care beds have a positive, and significant, effect on State Homelessness. The philosophical differences in the Housing First program displays that it is the best way to increase the utility of the homeless and cure homelessness.

Advisor

Burnell, Barbara

Department

Business Economics

Disciplines

American Politics | Behavioral Economics | Econometrics | Economic Theory

Keywords

Homeless, Housing First, Housing Regulations

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2014 David W. Jackson