New study gave $7,500 to 50 unhoused people.

Guess what?

"They did not spend more money on alcohol or drugs, contrary to what people believe, and instead they spent the money on rent, food, housing, transit, furniture, a used car, clothes. It's entirely the opposite of what people think they're going to do with the money."

Congrats to my UBC colleague Jiaying Zhao on this study.

#Unhoused #CashTransfers #UBC #IRES

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/a-b-c-study-gave-50-homeless-people-7-500-each-here-s-what-they-spent-it-on-1.6540030

A B.C. study gave 50 homeless people $7,500 each. Here's what they spent it on.

A new B.C.-based study undercuts the persistent stereotype that homeless people can't be trusted with cash, according to the lead researcher who says it also highlights a different way to respond to the crisis.

British Columbia
@hishamzerriffi I clicked. Subjects were selected for not being long-term homeless. Yes if someone is homeless because their life circumstances went sideways (and not because of illness or addiction) then money will sort them out. If illness or addiction is the problem then publicly funded medical care is required. Either is overall cheaper to society than perpetuating the problem.