While i can't disagree with Michael's points, i feel like this is one of those occasions when it's not that one side is misrepresenting, but that rather both sides have a piece of a greater truth. Michael's research is very notable and addresses a serious epidemic of mental illness and addiction, but downplays an increasingly just as real epidemic of homelessness based on socio-economic factors.
Admittedly, my interactions with the homeless, while much of which occurred while i myself was homeless, did seem related to addiction/mental illness. However, i also met many that clearly had a good head on their shoulders. It's much easier than many may realize to have stability taken from you, and once that occurs, it can be harder than ever to get back on your feet (it often has a snowballing effect), because while you are without shelter you live in a constant state of stress. I was one of the luckier ones that quickly bounced back, in no small part due to the rare kindness of a stranger.
And to expand on that snowballing effect, i have no doubt that homelessness can indeed be just as capable of leading to addiction and mental illness as the inverse. It definitely put my mind into places it has never been before, and without the kindness of a stranger, i can see how the stress of homelessness and the way the majority of society alienated me, avoiding eye contact and the like, and other subtle indications of my sub-human status, could have quickly lead down that path.
Admittedly, my interactions with the homeless, while much of which occurred while i myself was homeless, did seem related to addiction/mental illness. However, i also met many that clearly had a good head on their shoulders. It's much easier than many may realize to have stability taken from you, and once that occurs, it can be harder than ever to get back on your feet (it often has a snowballing effect), because while you are without shelter you live in a constant state of stress. I was one of the luckier ones that quickly bounced back, in no small part due to the rare kindness of a stranger.
And to expand on that snowballing effect, i have no doubt that homelessness can indeed be just as capable of leading to addiction and mental illness as the inverse. It definitely put my mind into places it has never been before, and without the kindness of a stranger, i can see how the stress of homelessness and the way the majority of society alienated me, avoiding eye contact and the like, and other subtle indications of my sub-human status, could have quickly lead down that path.