Why is the issue of homelessness so complex and difficult to solve?

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The discussion centers on the persistent issue of housing scarcity and homelessness across various societies, particularly contrasting capitalist and socialist systems. In socialist regimes, despite the promise of housing for all, homes remain scarce and costly, leading to long waiting periods. The U.S. is noted for having relatively better housing options, yet homelessness persists, often viewed as a societal choice reflecting punitive attitudes towards poverty. In contrast, Europe and Japan face severe housing affordability issues, with high costs and low salaries making homeownership difficult.Participants highlight that in capitalist societies, the stigma around low-cost housing deters development, as communities resist such projects due to fears of crime and decreased property values. The conversation touches on the complexity of homelessness, with some attributing it to personal choices and lack of motivation, while others argue that systemic failures and inadequate social support contribute significantly to the problem. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of balancing social responsibility with economic realities, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to housing and homelessness.
  • #31
Arctic Fox said:
What make you think that the homeless even deserve houses? If you're homeless, you need to get off your butt and get a damn job.

I was homeless for 7 years with nothing but a compact car and the crap I could fit into the trunk. I used to sleep in the back seat parked up in the forests. Breakfast was free at the Salvation Army every weekday. Dinner was served by the local churches around town. If I needed gas money, I'd go to the day-labour places and make $40 for the day, then I was set for the whole month. I could take a shower at the local hostel...

I made a lot of friends whom were also homeless for one reason or another - mainly because we were all too lazy to do anything productive. Most of us would waste the day sleeping in our cars/trucks/vans at the local park, or hanging out talking about how crazy the rest of the world was. A few would follow their hobby of panning for gold - going to hit it rich, no doubt.

We were worthless. Unproductive beyond belief. I actually did some traveling across the US and back, 26 states, meeting other homeless across the country. We were all the same.

So, no. I don't think the homeless should get anything until they can prove to us that they have some sort of desire to do... well, anything.

As for me, I met a girl who encouraged me to walk amongst the employed and responsible. :!)


this seems like a bit of a problem to me, i mean i would expect people would be more satisfyed with life if they were productive and Applyed themselves. the difficulty would be convincing people to do this. the help is there if they want it, but maybe they could use help with motivation? the issue of homlessness still strikes me in a failure in the social system but not from a financial point of view.
 

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