In the past I dismissed the homeless.

That was until I moved to the downtown East side of Calgary. In the centre of the homeless area. Those folks became part of my daily existence.

The homeless normally claim they “like the freedom”. They cannot hold a job because they refuse to knuckle under authority.

They cannot live in a shelter because of the tyranny of rules imposed there.

Sounds believable.

Then I heard an NPR podcast: Homeless Alcoholics in Seattle Find a Home

Bill Hobson is a homeless advocate in Seattle who runs a government program that one critic calls “bunks for drunks.” It’s a facility that offers a home for alcoholics in exchange for nothing. They can even continue drinking while living there. Renee Montagne speaks with Hobson about the logic behind the program.

Of 79 chronic, oft-hospitalized alcoholics offered a chance at shelter — 75 accepted.

Seems the real reason for homelessness, normally not admitted by the homeless, is addiction. At least for alcoholics.

This is a brave, honest experiment in how to truly help the homeless. Congratulations Bill Hobson.

Not everyone agrees with me. Especially regarding the funding of the project:

New York Times – Homeless Alcoholics Receive a Permanent Place to Live, and Drink