Plan would residents in Care Not Cash housing

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 5/28/9 | C.W. Nevius

[SmithL]

Mayor Gavin Newsom's Care Not Cash program turned 5 years old this month. And although it has been successful in placing more than 2,500 homeless people in supportive housing, it continues to face a major criticism.

Once in housing, residents have little incentive to improve their lives by attending therapy sessions, taking necessary medications or enrolling in job training. Few residents ever move on to live without government welfare and many of them "work" by panhandling on the streets.

At its worst, the program only moves troubled individuals off the street and into a hotel room, bringing their problems - drinking, drugs and personal issues - with them.

This week an interesting suggestion surfaced that is worth a try. It is cost-effective, incentive-based and has scientific backing. When he heard about it, even the mayor liked it.

"It's a great idea, a principled idea," he said. "The challenge is organizing it."

Here's the plan: Pay the residents.

Wait. Before you hit the roof, hear this out.

[SmithL]

I think the headline should read "Plan would PAY residents in Care Not Cash housing", but it seems that San Francisco has too much money.

[SJSAMPLE]

That headline reminds me of a guy hit in the head with a brick, trying to describe his attackers.

[brytlea]

I think this should be tried by a charity. Not the government. It’s that simple. Let charities take care of charity. They are better at it than the govt.

[WOBBLY BOB]

Once in housing, residents have little incentive to improve their lives by attending therapy sessions, taking necessary medications or enrolling in job training. Few residents ever move on to live without government welfare and many of them "work" by panhandling on the streets.

silly libturds. always trying to deny human nature.

[calcowgirl]

The Family Independence Initiative pays low-income families small amounts of cash when they meet targeted goals. For example, if a child improves his grades or his parents attend a homeownership class, or even if someone in the family loses some weight, they'd get a small payment, typically between $25 and $50.

Who's your Daddy? Looks like it's the Government.