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Pilot Program To Provide Housing For 100 Of San Jose Homeless

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has approved a pilot program that would put the chronically homeless in permanent housing. The county has agreed to spend $1.2 million to house 100 people.

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors president George Shirakawa said that it goes beyond the government giving homeless people free housing.

"It's helping people who are the most vulnerable in the community, so it actually saves money," said Shirakawa.

The board looked at studies that show it currently costs $60,000 to $70,000 a year to provide services for the chronically homeless. But if permanent housing is provided the cost drops down to the $15,000 range.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

Supervisor Mike Wasserman called it a milestone event for the county.

"If we can spend one dollar to save two, to spend money to help those people in need and also save tax payers, is about a two for one return while doing the right thing," said Wasserman. "That kind of opportunity doesn't come around often."

To qualify for one of the 100 vouchers, individuals or a member of a family must have a disabling condition and have been continually homeless for more than a year.

The goal is to implement the program by April.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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