To the Editor:

Homelessness in Maine is a solvable problem. The most effective way to end this problem is to make more supported housing and put people in those instead of shelters.

Supported housing is cheap apartments for homeless people. They help people find jobs and provide resourses that are needed. They also provide counseling and drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

“Homelessness is a result, not a condition.” It is a result of job loss, people who have disabilities and have been kicked off welfare, and people who have been abused. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, what economic background you come from, or how old you are. It can happen to anyone.

What are the plusses to supported housing? It costs less than shelters. It helps people more than shelters can. The goal for supported housing is to get the people off the street for good, and end homelessness.

Why we need affordable housing: Many homeless have jobs, but they cannot afford a place to live. So they are forced onto the streets. One out of every 162 people is homeless for some part of the year in Maine.

If we do not fix this problem, there could be a shortage of industry workers because with the pay they get, they can’t afford housing near their work.

Not only is homelessness a bad thing, it impacts our global reputation. Other countries view us as a inconsiderate country that does not care about its underprivileged citizens. Getting people off the streets would help that image.

Supported housing is the most effective way we can end homelessness. It is less expensive, it helps the people more than shelters can, and the goal for it is to end homelessness, not to drag it on to make money.

There will always be people who live on the street. Some people even chose to live on the streets. We can certainly lower the numbers dramatically, though.

It seems like it’s a win-win situation to me. We can save money and get people into proper shelter. All it takes is a little action.

Ryan Glass
Mt. Ararat Middle School
Topsham