It would work if you could put them in jail for say 6-8 weeks.   A couple of nights in jail may provide better conditions on a cold night that under a bridge. Weeks in a warm jail might give them half a chance at breaking destructive behavior habits.   (Some should be in high care institutions I suspect)

Just goes to show that people with different outlooks can come to the same conclusion.   Eugenian and Lyn  both understand that shelter allows people to heal!  People need food, shelter and safety to move past just surviving.    

Eugenian4ever; What is the goal of jail as you see it?