When I lived in the burbs I spend about 4 days a week working with the "poor" for several years. MANY were homeless. Without exception, every single one of them had somewhere else to go where they would have a roof over their head every night. Most had family and/or friends who actually came to the shelters trying to get these folks to come home with them. They didn't want to for whatever reason: Didn't like their sister, didn't want to impose, liked where they were, wanted to stay with their friends on the street, etc.
Many had mental problems - problems the government was more than willing to help with FOR FREE. Ditto the addiction problems.
If they wanted to, they had free food, clothing, a bed, and medical care. They could still be "homeless" and take these things. Many turned even those options down.
Those who didn't want to be homeless were offered much more. Including a free education, job training and placement, daycare, bus tokens and more.
It's there. If they don't want it, there's not a lot you can do to force them to take it.
If you don't believe me, spend a few months working with your local homeless.
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