IMO this goes back to the oregon country fair. i love it, but gotta be honest... the free and easy spirit drew a lot of unique people. some stayed for a awhile for the "vibe".  some of them weren't well to begin with and found the helping decent people of eugene would help them when in need.  the amount of people that stayed for some time increased - veneta's dairy queen had a real problem during the fair time and a bit after with lingerers. word gets out and different 'groups" mix and as our social services started and grew to help the residents, these folks found our generous spirit to their liking. the amount of people who are transients here has grown as the services offered has.
  that said - i don't want to see anyone suffer because of mental illness or some unforeseen thing that comes up. what's the saying..most of us are only one paycheck away from homelessness?  but i don't want to live in a virtual magnet for freeloaders and predators either