What a shame. I see the pan handlers, we used to call them, on the corner with their sign and a plastic cup, all the time. My heart goes out to them and sometimes I give them money. I don’t know what the solution to the problem is. I hope your friend finds his way out of the woods.
He is why I don’t give them money anymore and I don’t engage in conversation.
I hear all the time “You’re one of those Harvard grads. Your life’s easy”.
Pfft! Work my ass off just so people can disrepect me.
Fortunately, I only deal in sychology and prcesses.
Eliminates misunderstandings.
My friend is going to his meeting and I fully expect the guys to just get up and walk.