I met a homeless guy a few weeks ago who told me of how much he wanted a job. I offered suggestions and encouragement, but if I were an employer I wouldn't have hire him. I suspected he had some sort of neurological damage which would interfere with his ability to hold down a job. If so he wouldn't be able to overcome this barrier. Even if he could hold down a job, employers are likely to hire someone else first. I believe an important part of addressing this problem is to increase employment opportunities for those who can work and to give subsidies to those who can't. Punishing people without giving them opportunities isn't effective in convincing them to work and stay sober. As they saying goes, you can't squeeze blood from the stone.