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 contrary to popular belief, it's a rational process. A person is homeless, if you gives them a few K, they can secure housing, if you give them a few hundred they can afford a motel and a hot meal, if you give them a few bucks, all they can afford is something to keep them warm and awake for the night outside. They start out thinking it's temporary until they can get back on their feet, only to discover that people now no longer consider them a person worth helping.