Should we make decisions based on the what-ifs of the helsinkiläinen or reality?
What works for Finland might not for California without us acknowledging that every homeless person who wants housing in San Francisco isn’t entitled to it. They can be entitled to housing. But not where they want it.
One challenge there is that many of the factors driving the location wants aren't entirely unreasonable: That "want" to live in proximity to the VA hospital that will provide them the medical services they need, they "want" to live in proximity to family members they can get (or sadly, often harass) some support out of. They "want" to live in a place where a poor ability to manage themselves and/or their substance addictions won't result in a quick death from exposure (or arrest).
Comments
What works for Finland might not for California without us acknowledging that every homeless person who wants housing in San Francisco isn’t entitled to it. They can be entitled to housing. But not where they want it.
One challenge there is that many of the factors driving the location wants aren't entirely unreasonable: That "want" to live in proximity to the VA hospital that will provide them the medical services they need, they "want" to live in proximity to family members they can get (or sadly, often harass) some support out of. They "want" to live in a place where a poor ability to manage themselves and/or their substance addictions won't result in a quick death from exposure (or arrest).