Circumstances change and if we're debt ridden, to the streets we must go. Our minds weaken with drugs and alchohol and the lack of addiction/mental health help puts us on the streets, too. Some of the homeless have tried turning to friends, family, churches, volunteer places but the rules that are there conflict with their mental state and so they chose to not continue to be with friends, family, etc. Shame, desire not to inflict anguish on loved ones, low self-esteem, etc., abound in the homeless of the world... It takes a government-sized budget to provide the help needed by the homeless. All we can do as individuals is share whenever possible, treat folks with dignity and respect, and let love shine through your eyes to provide unspoken comfort to folks. It is hard to do when we are scared of strangers and especially when they are down and out of society's norms. In addition, too many of the homeless are mentally ill in the USA and one never knows what may happen with them. Be comforted in knowing that most of the mentally ill only act out with people they know, not strangers. For those of you who have known the anguish of a loved one chosing to be homeless, you know exactly what I mean. I pray none of you ever have to go through homelessness or a relative's homelessness. Walking away is sometimes all that can be done and it is heartbreaking. In the meantime, keep sharing your quilts and love! Quilters have always been generous people. :-)