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- Jul 26, 2012
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I do believe addicts are an overwhelming portion of the homeless population.I can't speak for EVERY where... but here, I'd say 90-95% minimally are just addicts.
If there was any "mental illness"... I'd say it had been brought on by whatever freebase drug they've been doing.
The days of your Rambo style vagabond are long gone around here. I haven't come across a non-addict homeless person in a LONG time.
Maybe in some other parts of the country you have a more benign level of homeless person, like the one that's portrayed in movies... you know, misunderstood and fairly charming... but that shit doesn't exist here. They are closer to walking dead level zombies because they are all on a 3 day meth binge.
I try not to just be cold to them though. Ive met a couple folks who were amazing people but ended up homeless at some point due to things they couldnt control.
Id like to see communities offer work programs tbh. Pick up some trash or whatever duties they can find to better the place, give them some wages for the day. If theyre going to buy dope/booze with it, whatever. Its better than panhandling and actually could contribute something to society. Id imagine it would take away some leeching off public funds and crime as well. Maybe even give the people who are legitimately just in a bad place a way to get out.