This is part of the "magnet theory". In reality, most people, "homed" and homeless alike, come to the Charlotte region for the same reason - economic opportunity. People don't travel across the country for a two-week stay at an emergency shelter. Usually the prospect of a job is the primary reason for leaving a familiar environment and traveling to a new city.
"If there are no services, there will be no homeless."
This is like saying "If there are no doctors, there will be no illness." With the exception of public meal programs, which do draw crowds, homeless facilities reduce, not increase homelessness in the surrounding areas.
"The police should do something."
People who are homeless have lost their homes, not their civil rights. Homeless people cannot be told to "move on" until there's a place for them to move on to.
"The government will take care of these people."
Government at all levels is hamstrung by reductions in tax revenue.
"Charitable groups will take care of the homeless."
The role of charitable and voluntary groups is not to substitute for government responsibility. The growth of homelessness has far out stripped the capacity of charitable groups.
"Most homeless people are living on welfare."
Only 20-30% receive General Relief; GR, by the way, requires work assignments. It is not a "free ride".
"Their families should take care of them."
Families are often no longer available. In many cases, the breakup of the family or the need to flee from abuse is what leads to homelessness. In other cases, the families themselves are destitute.
"They should be put back in mental health institutions."
Many homeless people aren't considered to be in need of mental health services. One-third are believed to be severely mentally ill. The majority of these can be helped through outpatient counseling and medication. Very few would qualify for institutionalization.
"Homeless people with drug and alcohol abuse problems don't want to change."
Recovery from substance abuse is a long and difficult process for most people. Homeless people who are attempting to recover face even more formidable challenges. Outpatient and residential treatment programs are often difficult to find.
"It's their own choosing."
We have yet to meet someone who set homelessness as their goal or who made "homelessness" their choice on Career Day.
"We see who the homeless are on the street."
An estimated 10 percent of the homeless population is observed on the street; these are often chronically homeless individuals involved in substance abuse or who are mentally ill. Many homeless people; particularly women with children, go out of their way not to be observed.
"Most homeless people break the law."
Serious crime is not attributed to the homeless population at any higher rate than is found in the general population. Those who have been on the streets for any length of time usually receive citations-typically for illegal lodging, trespassing, jaywalking, public drinking, and failure to appear in court. Homeless people are more likely to be victims of crime.
"Panhandlers are homeless."
Even though they spend much time on the street, some panhandlers are not homeless.
