“were offered a place at a local shelter but they reportedly refused.”
And there you have it, what most SJWs don’t want to see. Some homeless WANT TO BE HOMELESS.
That kills me and I see it often. These people can barely support themselves, if at all and they take on having pets. I feel as bad for the animals as I do the people.
"Some." Yes, but I contend most of them have chosen it as a preferred lifestyle. Not unlike those filthy hippies of the 60s, living like animals in their communes, etc.
I suspect drugs and alcohol are also a driving factor. These tent cities/ubiquitous "homelessness" seem to thrive in states that have legalized dope. Addicts love nothing more than to be in the company of other addicts.