I have a comic somewhere, a Wizard of Id in which the King is sitting on his throne. Someone walks up and says "Do something about the homeless". Second panel, another person says "Do something about all these empty buildings". Third panel, the King thinks "They make it sound so easy."
The truth of that comic resonates with me. I think it could be that easy. Whether a private individual did it, or a corporation, or even the meddlesome government. If a building sits empty why can we not give it - yes, GIVE IT - to the homeless. They can live in it and therefore no longer be homeless. If it is not up to code, they can be given funds and/or time to fix it. Or - here's a radical thought - the codes can be relaxed. Our ancestors lived without running water or electricity. Even in an era where "Welfare Apartments" have dishwashers and central air, it is possible that someone might find a Little House on The Prairie preferable to a Van Down By the River.
If it is a larger structure, say an abandoned factory, it could be made over into apartments. Or even a tent city with a roof. Yes, there are shelters, but I've been told that sleeping under a bush in the park is safer than a shelter. By someone who was homeless.
If the buildings are beyond help, they should be torn down. Plain and simple. Empty buildings are unsafe and ugly. Stop arresting the homeless who squat in them. Give them the place, help them fix it up, and everyone's happy. Well, everyone but God Money. God Money can go take a flying leap.
