Drug use and resulting homelessness have many root causes, so maybe we should withhold quick condemnation of every homeless person.  Yes, some of the alcohol/drug addicted homeless people made bad lifestyle choices and have ended up where they are as a result.  However, not all alcohol/drug addicted homeless people ended up this way because one day they decided this was the life they wanted to live.  Unfortunately for many, childhood issues of neglect and abuse are the root cause that led to this result.  When a child is abused mentally, physically, or sexually, often alcohol/drug use becomes their escape to ease the pain; they're not mentally mature enough to realize the detrimental effects of their actions.

I have  been blessed and have never had to deal with any of these issues, but I am empathetic to the issue of homelessness in our community and help with and donate to various St. Vincent de Paul entities because they excel at addressing homelessness issues in our community.