I get what you're saying, but many times it takes addicts and homeless years to hit rock bottom or at least a point when they are ready to make a true commitment to get better. I'm all for helping the people that were productive members of society.  But instead of us trying to decide who deserves help more, I think we should see which homeless will accept help and dedicate resources to them.  You can't force addiction counseling on someone that has no intention to quitting or to change their lives and expect it work.  If they have been homeless for 20 years or 20 months I don't really care, as long as they are making an effort to stay off the streets and out of hospitals, jail and detox.  To me it's about helping the people wanting to get help, which is where I think the City will get the most out of it's money.