There’s a ton of stuff I’d do to help the world if I was a billionaire. Actual billionaires are all dicks so they won’t do it, but here’s one thing I’d do if I had their money.

A New Type of Homeless Centre

This is an incredibly expensive project that would be completely unattainable for governments, but would be totally possible for someone with over $200 billion sitting around. Here’s the idea.

A Fixed Address

The concept is basically like a hotel, where homeless people get a place to stay for free. In each room is all of the personal hygiene products they need, replenished every couple of days – or as requested. There’s 24/7 access to therapists, because a lot of homelessness is due to mental health issues to start with, but also because living on the streets causes mental health issues too.

Supplying Useful Products

Many of the products could be provided free of charge by the companies who manufacture them. Toilet paper, deodorant, even food. Becoming a supplier would cost each company some money, but let’s be honest – when was the last time a major producer didn’t announce record profits? They could probably write it off as a charity donation, and the PR would be great too.

Why this concept?

A lot of the time you can’t claim benefits or get access to social services without an address. You can’t get ID without already an address. But you can’t get an address if you have no income. But you can’t get a job if you have no ID. This cycle is bullshit and this concept would help remove at least some of those obstacles. And it would come with no stigma because the address they give to people wouldn’t be a “shelter”, it would look like a regular apartment address.

Where’s the ‘but’?

It would need to have a zero tolerance drug policy to avoid becoming a den for addicts, and a low threshold for violent acts. I’m not sure how you’d police both of these things while also respecting privacy and autonomy, but I believe it’s possible. Venue-style security at the door might work. But I’d consult specialists who know what people in a similar situation would need.

This is a pie-in-the-sky idea and would probably cost an absolute fortune to keep afloat, but if I was “earning” billions every year I think I could probably scrape together enough cash to make it happen. Either that or send some dumb phallic objects into orbit.