There are some people who put forward the idea of responsible authorities buying houses as a financial help for people who are underprivileged. This initiative can bring about both benefits, and some side effects if the budget is not properly targeted. However, I agree that if people who really need to be taken care of are maintained with housing to support their families, it would be the ultimate function of the government and the community.
On the one hand, people who support providing free housing for low-income earners, should be aware of the consequences. There should be fairness, openness, and honesty in providing free housing. Some people could intentionally pretend to be short-handed and disadvantaged in an aim of obtaining houses. In that case, the money spent on real estate could be wasted. For this reason, the people who are in the list of help should be double checked. They should be observed and judged in their own communities. Having carefully considered, they can be given free housing. Otherwise, I think there are several areas in a country that really need to be financially provided, such as hospitals, schools in remote areas, orphanages, or charities for the elderly people.
On the other hand, if governments provide shelter for people who desperately need, one primary function of the government could be done, since it is helping and protecting its citizens. Those people who are supported could return to their normal lifestyles without depression, and become tax-payers who support the government in return. People with new houses can start new lives and raise their children like other people do. They can be very successful and helpful members of the society if supported. If governments invest in their public, those individuals can pay back.
In conclusion, providing poor people with housing can be beneficial for both sides. People can start living normally, functioning as little parts of a huge machine. However, I believe that in this process there should be control in order not to let false people receive this favor instead of the real receiver.