I am a semi retired bum. Most homeless get checks for social security or disability. Because of the rents in most urban areas are so high, they have no way to afford to be off the streets. Especially if they have any type of weaknesses. Not just booze or dope, but gamblers and chronic eaters. Most of the guys you see in shelters suffer from this. Average apartment rent in my town for a studio is $1200. My disability is only $800. per month.
Subsidused housing is a sham in developed areas as it is based on the average income for that zipcode. In mine that is for household income of 40k per year. People in that program pay only 30% of their income. How can guys with only disability compete? It is lottery based and full of corruption. Full of spics that sub let their apartments too.
Never assume a bum has nothing. You don't see him the first few days of the month because he is enjoying his Gibs in a hotel. When it is done he goes back out in the corner to beg to pay his habits.