The homeless: a building debate

Re “Cost of homeless project questioned,” May 27

Though concerns about cost are justified, there is data from cities across the country showing that housing chronically homeless people can be cost-effective, saving millions of dollars in public money. As the debate continues on the best way to reduce, prevent and end homelessness in Los Angeles, I sincerely urge building on the successful Project 50.

Nan Roman

Washington

The writer is president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

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Let me get this straight -- in about 16 months’ time, from November 2007 until February 2009, the pilot Project 50 for the homeless has managed to get 50 people housing with its $3-million, two-year budget? That works out to about $60,000 per person for 16 months, or $3,750 per person per month.

And Zev Yaroslavsky claims Project 50 “has not cost us practically anything.” I am a teacher working for LAUSD, where starting salaries are about $42,000; I could not afford to spend $3,750 per month on housing for myself.

With thousands of teachers to be fired, maybe I’ll get lucky -- perhaps I’ll be eligible for Project 50 housing. Which way to the Jacuzzi?

Fred Dekom

Sherman Oaks