Charles--  Thank you so much for your columns, illuminating and sensitive.  A better system and properly funded institutions are critical needs.  But the person who blames the mentally ill for their problems has a big problem, too.  He/she doesn't realize that, by definition, mentally ill people can't understand reality and can't make rational decisions!  Please try to imagine a "twin" inside your head telling you not to sign up for housing, or not to take your meds-- and being unable differentiate that from reality.  Be thankful that isn't you, and try to develop compassion.