The best solution to homelessness is also the cheapest: building homes
While providing housing and supportive services is a more humane option for elected officials grappling with the homelessness crisis, it can also be cost effective. Jackson said that in 2025, the county estimated that it cost roughly $41,000 to fund one unit of permanent supportive housing for a year. In contrast, during the same year it cost the City of Seattle $386.36 per day to house someone in the King County Jail – a cost that works out to more than $141,000 per year.