I agree that those with the knowledge on what it takes to help people in this type of situation should be first in line. Too often though it's a political issue that creates strong emotions and a lack of dialogue as a result.

I feel if the community wants to make a difference and help people it's  inappropriate to focus on making their situation comfortable. That does nothing to bring them up and out of poverty. Taking Carries case for example, would it be difficult to create a program where after....15 arrests for illegal camping (which to me shows a chronic homelessness situation) that person could qualify for an extended program, 3, 6 months, that provides shelter, stability, counseling, job training so the person may be able to permanently adjust their life and find stability. I don't mean an extended stay in jail. Something more (lottery funded?) Just a baseline of an idea that you all can elaborate (and disagree with if you choose) that could make an impact to our community.