Despite rising poverty across the US, homelessness has decreased 69% in Utah over the past five years and is even expected to be eliminated this year, the Huffington Post reports. How has Utah found such success? By giving the homeless homes. While the answer may seem obvious, Utah is breaking ground with its Housing Works program, which gives the homeless affordable and permanent apartments on just one condition: that they be "good stewards."
The premise, which puts much trust in the homeowner, reminds us of ELEMENTAL's "half-finished" philosophy and makes us wonder: if homes can eliminate homelessness in the short term, could conscientiously-designed homes (which can encourage good stewardship) be necessary to eliminate homelessness in the long term?
Read more on Utah's program at the Huffington Post and let us know what you think in the comments below.
