I don't have the exact figure on the connection between a person's health and investment. It varies. However, clearly, the benefits are huge in the long term.
Let's take the example of a family living in a housing unit that is too expensive, inadequate and substandard. Parents often have to work two jobs to pay the rent, which prevents them from helping their children with school, and their children's education takes a hit. In addition, poor quality housing can cause health problems, because of mould, for example. The children's ability to learn is therefore compromised.
Furthermore, it has been proven that these people are twice as likely to be homeless and to have a poor education, which leads to lower quality jobs. They are prevented from reaching their potential. Instead of becoming taxpayers who participate in our country to their full potential, they end up becoming burdens because the problem has not been addressed.
If we want to be successful in solving our labour problems and our technological challenges, we must ensure that everyone can participate fully. At the grassroots level, they must be able to keep a roof over their heads, to feed and clothe themselves. If we let them have proper housing, the rest will follow.