tompaine:  I think your response illustrates just how complex and contentious the homeless issue is.  To be sure, I agree that many (not all) homeless individuals would be less than enjoyable everyday companions....meth addicts, chronic alcoholics, the mentally ill, and others need extensive, and expensive, treatment; not mere companionship.  The question of "mandated" treatment is a contentious, but important, topic.  There are no "easy"answers and, with so many different presenting issues, each homeless individual needs an individualized plan if meaningful assistance is to be provided.  Such intervention is both expensive and intrusive.  Many persons don't want to spend the money and many others don't want to intrude into people's lives.  I'd suggest effective intervention would likely be both expensive and intrusive........so here we are.  regards, Gary