We have a large, clean shelter which provides food, a bed, shower facilities, etc., and is on public transportation for access to work.
In order to stay there, absolutely NO drugs or alcohol is permitted. Anyone under the influence will be sent to detox before being allowed to return. A chaplain and physician are on staff during normal business hours. (Don't know if they are "on call" or not.) AA, Al-Anon and NA meetings are held on the premises regularly. Rules and regulations must be followed or an individual is removed from the facility.
I don't know if there is a fee or what it costs per night or how long a person is able to stay (think I've heard two weeks, but it may be longer during the winter months). There are also spaces for families (away from homeless single individuals). They must follow the same rules and regulations.
There seems to be an increase in homelessness over the past 30-40 years. Most with health and/or mental health issues. It's become a problem in our community. Some are able to work; others not so much. They end up sleeping/living under bridges near the shelter and crime in that area is rampant. Big problem in most communities and taxpayers end up footing the costs.
We do have an active Food Bank for meals and food supplies. Our Food Bank also provides for our school children in the low-income Back-Pack Program to take home meals to eat over the weekend, a very necessary program for educating the next generation. Most Churches are active in supporting soup kitchens and providing clothing. Donations are generous. We have the usual Charities, but it's never enough. Poverty hits any age.
Money screams; wealth whispers.