Xanthippe,
When you find something I've said in error please point it out. Otherwise my "mood" as you call it is exactly what people need to hear. Enabling them and feeling sorry for those who can help it is a waste of time for everyone.
One of the great tragedies about the homeless issue is that, because of changes in how they are treated and the lack of long term care available, those with mental problems often end up as homeless.
You are correct. To a point. The best experts suggest about one third of the chronically homeless are in their plight due to mentail illnesses.
However, a large % of those with mental and emotional illnesses is due to years if not decades of drug and alcohol abuse. They werent born with it and it isnt due to abuse. It is a choice.
Including some of my family, who drank and drugged themselves into mental oblivion.
That is the norm, not the exception, for a majority of the chronically homeless.
Couple this lack of self control with a desire to avoid work and not follow other societal rules and regulations and you have a defined picture of homelessness.
I spent many years, financial resources and emotional investment on 2 of my brothers to try and help them quit drugs and alcohol, including studying the bible with them when I was a dub and taking them to and participating with them in various 12 step type programs, some of which were paid by the gov.
As is typical they always went back to it and the lifestyle. That is typical of the chronically homeless. So when you feel pity for them remember that nearly every one of them has had friends, family and Uncle Sam bleed tears and cash to fix them.