op look up the word "disenfranchised"

STep one is do not rely on anyone, including your government, for your well being. It is our own responsibility to care for ourselves. I know you are correct in some points, many people reach the streets, without ever having substance abuse problems, only to find the only escape from a dreadful reality is drugs and alcohol. These people dont have a clue how many homeless are veterans with ptsd from serving and being forced to commit violence. Children are abused and abandoned and end up homeless. The truth is, if you wait for help, you will wait forever, you have to help yourself first, people notice you trying, and then lend a hand. People do not want to invest time into a hopeless cause.