In a study, outreach workers found 15 homeless people, and simply asked them what possessions they would need in order to change their lives. One requested a pair of shoes and a prepaid cell phone; another asked for a camper van. They were given an annual budget of £3,000, which was used to purchase their requests and help out with other necessities. The gift came with one condition: The homeless people would need to work with a “broker” who would help them manage their budgets over a long-term basis.
The results were striking: Out of the 13 people who agreed to the terms of the study, 11 are now off the streets. Most are living independently, while others have returned to family members or entered drug treatment facilities.
No idea if this would work at a larger scale, but it makes sense. Giving the individuals a sense of financial freedom to pursue their goals and get themselves standing back up again… it’s better than handouts and less stifling than the “work for the charity” approach. I hope this actually gets some attention in the future.
(Source: gimundo.com)
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