I have read a lot about such initiatives to house the chronically homeless.  They did the same thing in places like Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland Main, NY City and it was highly successful. In most places they ended up actually saving a lot of tax payer money even though housing was being fully provided.  The idea is to provide some stability by providing a home and what follows is an increased chance for those who are homeless to deal with the reasons why they might be homeless in the first place.  Less time spent in jails and emergency rooms - which we all pay for.