"I don't know the reason for homelessness. All I do know is that it is a chronic problem, and the popular belief that they are degenerates and hopeless has been completely ineffective in resolving this problem." That's because you can't force people to be responsible, to manage their live effectively, and to avoid substance abuse when they're a drunk or druggie. You can't live their life for them. So instead, you want to coddle them, console them, and have responsible, productive people financially support them. Responsible, productive people are, however, getting sick and tired of carrying their load and the load of bums who can't manage their own lives as well. So you are going to see us "turning the other way" more and more often....and I, for one, feel fine about it. I'm not Superman. I'm an everyday, average person and if I can live my life responsibly, so can they. Conclusion? Let THEM solve THEIR problem.