Prevention of homelessness is widely talked about, but the resources for prevention are often sparse and given a second, or third priority over other measures. So, why should we try to prevent homelessness? The first reason, I believe, is a humanitarian one: We live in the most affluent country in the world. No one who lives in the United States should have to be without a place to call home. With an increase in the affordable housing stock and funds dedicated to keeping people housed, this can be become a reality.

The second reason is a financial one: It is far easier and far less expensive to keep people housed than it is to re-house them once they become homeless. Most experts agree that the cost of keeping a family housed is one-sixth that of the cost of providing emergency shelter.

Preventing homelessness does not just involve throwing money at prevention activities. A good prevention plan will also include discharge planning to help people’s transition from institutions to stable housing. Once again, it is easier and more cost effective to provide adequate discharge planning, especially from publicly funded institutions.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our lawmakers in Texas were to realize the benefits of a well-funded Homelessness Prevention program and allocate state funds to that end? Talk to your legislator today and urge her or him to make preventing homelessness in Texas a reality.