djpong, I don't doubt Boston's inititative failed because they like so many of us don't truly understand the problem. Those folks forced into homeless shelters because of a loss of job, etc face a different situation then those folks who find themselves homeless because of neuro-brain disorders, addiction, etc. In fact it is difficult to separate what is an addiction or what is a result of a neuro-brain disorder. So the folks you explain whom were release from institutions to roam free did not have the support and structure they required to deal with this release. People with neuro-brain disorders attempt to self-medicate and so to say we will give you coupons rather than money is a decision or an action they cannot fathom. A good heart is not enough here. The government would have done better by restructuring and update these institutions so they made a good faith effort to attempt humane and effective treatment for these folks. To sum up a point. Ask yourself, "Is Charlies Sheen in need of medication to bring his mania under control or should he be admitted to Doctor Drew Pinsky's clinic to dry out? Can you tell the difference? I can't? And should the news media really allow this guy the publicity to carry on? Or should they place humanity first and resist getting the insude scope unnderstnading that by doing so they are only enabling Charlie Sheen and demeaning an important message by a segment of our society that is in great need of attention. We are after all as men morally obligated to help the weaker of our species which is why no one likes a bully.