Before you roll your eyes, we’ve got to start thinking outside the box, to create the revenue and community support needed to house those without a roof.
I’ve often promoted the idea of a federal megabucks lottery. Every week a million dollar winner, the rest going towards a just healthcare system, and affordable housing. Those that would rather gamble their money than put it to good use, may now do both. Casinos may also provide a source of revenue to help alleviate poverty issues. Of course, we’d have to do a better job than we did with state lottery money meant to build on and enhance public education.
The revenue that could be tapped from sales and taxes on marijuana grown could alleviate the affordable housing issue overnight, relatively speaking. We take an acre or two of state or city land to be used as a prototype for future growers, who will supply the legal dispensaries of medical marijuana with their product. This project could be done with support from UNH Agricultural Dept, and provide the city with a valuable template for future growers, as well as test the chains of distribution for medical marijuana. The city would become the state’s first grower, and from the sale of the product, provide financial resources to alleviate housing shortages. Workers could be enlisted from the homeless population, with either cash or housing accommodations as payment. A bunkhouse/shelter could be built on the same property, with showers and laundry, and solar-paneled roofs, with help from grants.
I’m thinking back to the all day sun received on the city owned property adjacent to the Friendly Kitchen, and what a convenient spot that might be. Maybe further outside town, with shuttles for workers. Concord could become known as the model city who solved the housing for homeless issue, and implemented fast-track prototypes for dealing with the legalizing marijuana issue, medical or otherwise, all in one stroke.
Outside the box, down on the farm.
Sneeze on Your Face 