Another big issue is failing to provide a social security network that actually works in that it helps those in real need and has enough of an incentive to get out of the program again.
Canada's welfare system is just fine, actually. The "Jason" in the article is a good example of how it works -- shortly after becoming homeless, he talked to the welfare office, he found an apartment which rented for the standard welfare rate, and if he hasn't already moved in, he almost certainly will within the next week. The vast majority of instances of homelessness are resolved quickly in exactly this manner.
Why doesn't this happen for the small minority who end up being long-term homeless? To a very large extent, it comes down to one thing: Mentally ill people aren't very good at doing paperwork. People who are addicted to drugs or are schizophrenic aren't very likely to accomplish the steps Jason went through to get welfare-funded housing.
Canada's welfare system is just fine, actually. The "Jason" in the article is a good example of how it works -- shortly after becoming homeless, he talked to the welfare office, he found an apartment which rented for the standard welfare rate, and if he hasn't already moved in, he almost certainly will within the next week. The vast majority of instances of homelessness are resolved quickly in exactly this manner.
Why doesn't this happen for the small minority who end up being long-term homeless? To a very large extent, it comes down to one thing: Mentally ill people aren't very good at doing paperwork. People who are addicted to drugs or are schizophrenic aren't very likely to accomplish the steps Jason went through to get welfare-funded housing.