> it's very easy for people who don't belong on the streets to get off the streets... no. it isn't. most of the people in the shelter i stayed in either left or were exited because of substance abuse issues. i'm talking about 70% over a one year period in a newer 100 person capacity shelter that had a relatively low turnover because it was during covid. the relative few that did get into permanent housing eventually fucked it up for the most part and ended up back on the streets. i was lucky that i became homeless because of medical issues and the covid shut down. i don't have any substance abuse issues so i was able to get into permanent housing and start rebuilding my life. until and unless the underlying causes of substance abuse in the homeless population are addressed, this problem can't be solved. it really is that simple.
United States