There are many reasons for homelessness. One reason being that many are dysfunctional. no initiative, no direction.
We should have something like the conservation corps were people of any age and ability are able to join to get food and shelter in exchange for service to their community.
That’s an interesting thought. Maybe the reason we don’t see much of that is there is insufficient potential for graft.
I will take your work camp idea a step further. Build a big fence. Force the bum to do all the things they don’t want to do:
No boozing.
No pills.
Take your crazy meds.
Obey the boss/learn to take direction.
Force them to prove their ability to function in society before releasing them.
And if they can’t conform?
They can spend their days picking up litter on the side of the road. Society is far safer with those people locked up.