Tompaine:  I really wish your statements were true.  Since all studies and surveys show that only five to ten percent of the homeless are "voluntarily" homeless, it would be the homeless population would, by definition, be reduced by ninety to ninety-five percent.    You mention "the relatively few who would work if they had resources to become employed and if THEY DIDN'T SUFFER FROM SOME SORT OF EMOTIONAL CONDITION MAKING ANY PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION IMPOSSIBLE." (my caps, for emphasis).  That is precisely the point.   The bulk of the homeless population face significant barriers to working their way out of homelessness:  Mental illness, alcohol and substance abuse, Vets with PTSD, physically and mentally handicapped, women, often with children, escaping an abusive relationship, teenagers escaping physically and, often, sexually abusive homes. and other individual issues.  

Your last sentence seems to imply they should be treated like lepers.  Am I misreading your statement?