Poverty: the big problemo

"Homeless and poverty are inextricably linked.  Poor people are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and education.  Difficult choices must be made when limited resources cover only some of the necessities.  Often it is housing, which absorbs a high proportion of income that must be dropped.  Having a low income means a person is an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets" (Causes of Homelessness).  Poverty is the main cause of homelessness in Alachua County and Gainesville.  "Gainesville does not have a housing shortage but a lack of housing that is affordable for the people who live and work in our community" (GRACE for the Homeless).  It would be difficult to have a contractor build affordable housing because he would not be getting paid very well.  A solution would be to establish a system between families and tenants so they they can hold the housing they already have.  By subsidizing the at risk families monthly to help them make rent, as well as helping them find better jobs, more affordable health care, etc., they can be on their way to maintaining their homes on their own.  "Cost to provide one year of housing, shelter and supportive services to a homeless individual in emergency shelter: $8,700; cost to provide a family of four with a $300 monthly housing subsidy to ensure the family remains in existing housing: $3,600" (GRACE for the Homeless).  Simply finding people better jobs won't work because there isn't an unlimited amount of jobs out there that will pay enough to make the monthly rent.  "In order to afford this rent a person would nee to make at least $11.81 an hour" (GRACE for the Homeless).  It is hard to make this much when you lack proper education or job training skills.  With the subsidizing system, the family can keep their house and get the resources they need to get better jobs without worrying about losing their homes in the meantime.