Sure, but not really the policy outcome that people are thinking of when they talk about solving the "homeless problem". The guy passed on in the subway car next to his own feces is not going to be helped in any way by these policies.
There are no good solutions here that respect the rights of the individual and also our collective right to live in a civil society. Involuntarily detention through the criminal justice system (horrifying) or the mental health system (completely dehumanizing) are the best tools we have, other than having compassionate people who will devote time and effort and individual attention to the victims of mental health or pathological substance abuse problems.
There are no good solutions here that respect the rights of the individual and also our collective right to live in a civil society. Involuntarily detention through the criminal justice system (horrifying) or the mental health system (completely dehumanizing) are the best tools we have, other than having compassionate people who will devote time and effort and individual attention to the victims of mental health or pathological substance abuse problems.