Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos
Wouldn't it be cheaper to build housing for the poorest people and give them access to counselling and training and also a place to store their stuff?
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Agreed. Heck even arrange some sort of work program where they can do some sort of task to earn their keep.
The problem is the underlying issues of homelessness. The reason why most of us aren't homeless is we have the skills to keep us employed and sheltered. When I recently lost my job I had it down to "Plan C" which was to start flipping burgers or something.
There was a DS9 episode that dealt with 21st century homelessness. Basically in the near future "sanctuary districts" were setup to house and feed the homeless; and guards were in place to keep people inside, and supposedly to keep order. The thing was it didn't solve the problem- find a place in society for these people.
And that's what these people need- a place for them. Some people with mental illness and disabilities manage to find their place. We often see the middle aged man with Downs Syndrome cleaning tables at McDonalds. I believe the gov't pays for part of his salary. But the big thing is that person gets to feel like a person- holds down a job and an apartment; and is able to feel like he has a place in society.