I believe it isn’t really the people; it’s the mental illness or addiction that keeps them from accepting help. Every chronically homeless person I’ve met is one, the other, or both. While I understand it’s tempting to think that we should let them decide whether to accept help or not, I don’t think that worldview takes into account that you’re talking about people that are actually incapable of making decisions in their own best interests. I personally think it’s inhumane that they are not taken into protective custody and allowed to live in dignity.
World is rarely black and white unfortunately. Some people aren’t willing to be helped
I believe it isn’t really the people; it’s the mental illness or addiction that keeps them from accepting help. Every chronically homeless person I’ve met is one, the other, or both. While I understand it’s tempting to think that we should let them decide whether to accept help or not, I don’t think that worldview takes into account that you’re talking about people that are actually incapable of making decisions in their own best interests. I personally think it’s inhumane that they are not taken into protective custody and allowed to live in dignity.
Forcing people into protective custody has dangerous implications on civil liberties.
Yes, but the alternative is not problem-free either. There are no easy answers here, but I don’t think the current situation is ideal.