I've not worked with the homeless in SF, but I have seen it first hand. Noone is contesting the infiltration of alcoholism, drugs, etc that is a huge part of t

I've not worked with the homeless in SF, but I have seen it first hand. Noone is contesting the infiltration of alcoholism, drugs, etc that is a huge part of the homeless puzzle. However, it's important to consider that the abuse comes as a result of being on the streets, and the desire to numb against the hardship, or if it was the catalyst that placed the people in that situation. My experience is that it's more the former than the latter. Call it holier-than-thou, but I've been working with homeless for over 5 years, 2 nights per week. I am sure that SF's situation has its nuances, but I'd be surprised if it was totally different.