(continued)  Homeless alcoholics and addicts need to have programs and services available to them and, generally, that is not the case.  Mentally ill homeless individuals need to have services available to them and, again, that is generally not the case.  You state " Refusing to accept reality does make you the enemy."  I simply ask you, Lynn, given the statistical information I've cited, exactly who is the one "refusing to accept reality"?   You seem to advance the premise that ALL that is needed is the provision of shelter.  May I suggest that's important, but if the goal is to help people work their way out of "homelessness" and poverty, there's a lot more needed.  May I also suggest that includes their desire to work their way out of those conditions.  

I certainly feel a moral responsibility to help those in need of help and willing to accept such help and work to make themselves a better life.  I don't feel that responsibility toward those along for the "free ride"..