Average Quote by Paul Bettany
“Half of NYC's homeless populations are families.Homeless people have been ignored for too long. I'll just say this: If you are a family on the brink of eviction you are 80% less likely to get evicted if you have legal counsel. However, there is no right to legal counsel in housing court.It would cost the city $12,500 to grant that family legal counsel. Meanwhile, the average stay for a homeless family in a shelter once they have been evicted cost the city $45,000. So not only does it seem like the right thing to do morally, it's also the right thing to do fiscally.”
About This Quote
Providing legal counsel to families facing eviction reduces homelessness and saves public funds.
In simple terms: Legal help cuts eviction and saves money.
Key Takeaway
Invest in counsel to lower shelter costs.
Themes
housing
law
economics
social justice
Mood
concerned
pragmatic
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- family eviction
- city budgeting
- legal aid programs
- homeless shelter management
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
public policy
cost‑benefit analysis
rights
prevention
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities prioritize legal aid in housing?
- What barriers prevent funding for counsel?
A Different Perspective
Implementation may face political resistance and budget constraints.
