@chrisCA Yes, there are a lot of homeless people who are homeless purely for economic reasons, but there are also a lot who are mentally ill or suffering from addiction. It's definitely a systemic issue. But as usual, the Right doesn't want to invest in housing, rehab centers, or healthcare. They just want to lock the homeless up.
Having worked with homeless people years ago, not as an advocate, but as a co-worker, I have some knowledge that most do not have. I got to know them as equals, we also drank beer together on Fridays after getting paid. These homeless had a job long enough to save a little money and quit their job, in order to exist without responsibility.
I also would pick up the street people for my weekend job. These folks were different, they would NEVER take a real job where they had to go in everyday.
Many would see the work I had for them and say NO! They would sit all day while the rest of us worked. I would not pay them, but I did feed them lunch. FYI I only made 1.50 more an hour then they did, as the supervisor and transporter.
The main take-away is the fact that most homeless are free spirits. They do not want to be trapped by the confines of responsibility. This is also why programs never seem to work for the majority of them. You can give them everything, but the minute you ask for them to help with anything, you will get pushback, as they are not about to be told what to do, by anyone.
Most will take what you are giving, but will NOT give anything in return, even if it is in their best interest.
There are some homeless that would receive help well, but they are a small %.
The other groups are the ones escaping the law, whether for a crime, or something like running from child support. An unskilled guy with 5 unwanted children, will never be able to work, without his whole paycheck going to child support.
@GlitterEater hey, those are being used for very important purposes. How else are Investors and banks supposed to hedge against inflation and lower property costs?
The history of homelessness in America is an interesting study. There have been several periods of widespread homelessness in our history. It usually was associated with an economic recession or a change in technology. But it seldom lasted more than a couple of years.
For example, when railroads in the 1850s came into use many bargemen who used to load riverboats were out of a job. Many became homeless for a year or two. Then they found work with the new railroads and were housed again.
Our current period of homelessness started with Reagan in the 1980's. This homeless period has lasted much longer than any previous such period in American, close to 40 years. I think part of it is failure to address the root causes and reverse Reaganite policies. Also, the street drugs are much stronger, meth and fentanyl. they have reduced homeless people to such an extend they can't work. The solution for that is free, mandatory drug detox.
@soar2newhighs I really hope this will help people. the cost of the building is 600k per unit. It will eventually house 700 people, which is about 0.5% of the homeless in California. If they vet them properly, and pick the people that want to help themselves, this could work.
the ones who are cannot function or are ill need to be institutionalized in a caring environment. the rest of them need to get whatever job is available and counseling. if I need a job I would find one even if I have to move cross country to find affordable housing.
in this case it's too bad the government isn't allowed to build buildings or give people money. i guess it's not 'cruel and unusual punishment' if the victims aren't considered by the government as 'people'(?) take that, most vulnerable people imaginable!!! /s
@tenente If we give them housing, they will also expect food. along with that they will require maid services, landscaping services, and constant upkeep, as they will destroy it in short order. 90% of the homeless will not do what would be expected of them to maintain a home, or decent place to live.
But believe me, they would love it for a while, until someone tried to tell them that they also have responsibilities, if they want to live there.