A debate about whether the authorities should provide basic accommodation for disadvantaged groups is ongoing. I am of the opinion that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens because it could mitigate the rate of homelessness and foster more social harmony.
A principal reason why the government should advocate free public lodging is that it will reduce homeless individuals in public. To do this, the government can provide full financial support or lower rents. This is because many squatters have been evicted by landlords as rents keep skyrocketing due to inflation, and they have run out of money to cover them. From what I have heard, there was news of individuals who went into bankruptcy, and the bank took hold of their properties as collateral, but many European governments are taking action to ensure tenant rights to prevent homelessness in the long term.
Another benefit for government-managed homeless shelters is to increase social trust. Since unhoused people live in open spaces such as streets, train stations, malls, to name a few, it is likely that they may be exposed to delinquents and collude to commit crimes, including substance abuse, vandalism, armed robbery, sexual assaults, and so on. However, with the government’s assistance, they will be given shelters, which protect them from criminals and promote a sense of security within a community. In addition, emergency or temporary housing will keep public areas like streets more sanitized and safe for the general public.
In conclusion, I am convinced that free housing signals a positive aspect for those less fortunate because it will decrease the homelessness rate and improve communities’ overall safety.