The Cost of
The Cost ofHomelessness
in Cape Town
What does homelessness cost our community? Could it be more cost effective to invest in someone’s future by providing a pathway out of homelessness?
These are questions raised by this seminal study conducted in 2019, the first of its kind on the African continent.
The study was initiated by U-turn, and supported by U-turn partners: Khulisa Streetscapes and MES Cape Town. The study design supported was by research company, IHS Markit.
While the study and its findings relate to Cape Town, the findings are consistent with international studies from Australia, Britain and USA. It costs more to maintain a person on the street than it does to provide rehabilitation and support so that they can live an independent, whole life.
We Are Reacting to the Problem, Not Solving it
