Homelessness continues to be a significant challenge across the Commonwealth. One of the primary drivers of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, which leaves many Pennsylvanians unable to secure stable housing despite being employed or otherwise striving to meet their basic needs. While public expenditures related to homelessness often include prevention, support, and diversion programs, governments also incur costs associated with the criminalization of homelessness, including law enforcement, court proceedings, incarceration, and other criminal justice system expenses.
 
That is why I plan to introduce a resolution directing the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study comparing the costs associated with criminalizing homelessness to the costs of homelessness prevention, support, diversion, and housing stability programs.
 
As policymakers, it is important that we understand the fiscal impacts of both approaches when making decisions about how best to allocate public resources. A thorough analysis will help inform future policy discussions and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being invested in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
 
Please join me in supporting this resolution to better understand the costs of homelessness and identify evidence-based strategies to address this ongoing issue in the Commonwealth.