It’s likely a room in a boarding house, and food through a volunteer kitchen - so that $16K is still being subsidised through private charities and/or local + state Government grants.

Don’t mistake me, though - I’m all for these types of programs. They’re a hell of a lot better than a swathe of people being homeless on the streets, or incarcerated in an overcrowded prison.

I’m pretty sure the actual cost is to permanently house and feed them until they can get a job that gets them self sufficient.

Move to one of the poorest countries in the world, live in a hut and do nothing except eating. Don't get bit by wildlife or bugs.

Yeah, those numbers don't make sense with the word "permanently".

Move to Vietnam