The services offered to homeless folk are not free; They are paid for by the good folks of Seattle.
Seattle does have a huge homeless issues - likely due, in part, to our temperate climate. Our largest explosion of homelessness came when the state severely cut mental heath services. Now, large numbers of folks who could function reasonably well with some basic medications find themselves unable to afford their medications and, therefore, function.
For years, we tried to ignore the issue. However, we realized that it does not go to simply say, "You can't be here" if you don't tell them where they *can* go. Yes, we could just ship them out of town to become some other city's problem, but that seems inhumane, doesn't it?
The fact of the matter is that there is not a good single solution for homelessness. Many are not in a place where they can function. Some can begin to function when provided with a safe place to sleep, food, clothes, and sanitation. So, Seattle is trying to house them, figuring that those who can get themselves going will have a chance. And, those who can't will be sheltered and not sleeping on retailers' front doorsteps.
With homeless people, it seems there are some choices:
1. Ignore them. Of course, that begins to hurt commerce and tourism.
2. Bus them to another city. Of course, that solves nothing. Do we really want our cities trading homeless populations?
3. Put them all in jail for loitering, public intoxication, trespassing (sleeping on benches), etc. Of course, that's really expensive.
4. Execute them. That doesn't seem all that ethical. I
5. Try to help them.
Seattle has realized that homeless people are, well, people. The city has chosen option #5. We also realize that if you demand accountability and toss a person out of services when they refuse, you are back to options #1-4.
I'm not at all convinced that Seattle has the answers here. However, I appreciate the humanity in their efforts. It's certainly better than just complaining about them or being upset because their odors spoil my latte.
Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.