> One cause that you will probably not see highlighted is the devaluation of autonomy and personal responsibility Besides the fact that not everyone agrees wit

> One cause that you will probably not see highlighted is the devaluation of autonomy and personal responsibility Besides the fact that not everyone agrees with this argument, it's not highlighted because it's not useful. Let's say your right, the reason people sleep under a highway underpass is because they have not taken so called "personal responsibility" for their situation. Done. What's the plan now? Extending various forms of assistance is the both the moral as well as personal and social best option. Leaving these problems unchecked always exerts a cost on both society and individuals, and the use of solutions like violence and imprisonment have unwanted knock-on effects that are best avoided if possible. First, when you can stop homelessness before it happens via widely available emergency rent assistance. It's a cheap no-brainer that would save tax dollars from the expensive work of helping (or jailing, if feel lack of personal responsibility warrants incarceration) people who have lost housing. Then, provide the already homeless who are willing and able to work with housing, life coaching and training to get back on track. Then, safe communities and residence programs for those who are physically or mentally incapable of supporting/taking care of themselves. I'm sure there will also be people who are a danger to others and may need to be imprisoned.