This has to be trolling.
I think you'll find that most people, even the most prudent, are only a number of missed paycheques from hardship.

A number of homeless people are actually ex-forces who tried to live within their means, but just couldn't adapt due to unrecognised / untreated PTSD. Some are ex-services who, after discharge, found themselves unable to cope with suddenly having to do everything for themselves, possibly for the first time in their lives. It's a sudden move from having *everything* done, or decided for you; back into civilian life, and not everyone can make the change.

Some people are too proud to seek help until it's too late. Some are failed by the healthcare system, falling through the cracks.

But they're all human. Their stories are varied, and if you ask nicely you might be priviledged enough for them to share theirs with you. But I'd imagine it's safe to assume that almost everyone who is homeless is not in their situation voluntarily.

I'm not denying that there are 'homeless impersonators' about. But the Issue, as already mentioned, takes steps to counter this.
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Wed 25 Feb 2009, 10:07, 1 reply)

Yep
The problems often run deeper than not being able to afford somewhere to live; for instance there's a much higher incidence of mental illness than in the general population. The problems aren't as simple to sort out as just getting them a place to live.

I've given a lot of homeless people a bed for a night or two in the spare bedroom of my old flat (added bonus: it massively annoyed my cuntish flatmate), they do often have interesting stories to tell and are as much people as the rest of us.
(Son of Sam-i-am We're all as mad as hatters here, Wed 25 Feb 2009, 10:11, closed)