Bussed out: how America moves thousands of homeless people around the country

Since the article starts with someone in SF (although he's leaving), I want to proactively dispel the myth that it's common for homeless people to be dropped into SF by other cities because we have good weather and liberal govt. It may happen sometimes, but a recent survey showed that over 70pct of the homeless people in SF previously had homes in SF [0]. So it's mostly a home grown problem. [0]: http://sfist.com/2016/02/11/71_of_sf_homeless_once_had_homes...

It’s hard to find a more important moral, economic, and environmental cause these days more actionable than just building more housing. There’s an increasing class of unhoused, transitory people. Not just in the US, but plenty of people around the world who are hard working decent people who have become refugees due to war, climate, or economic pressures. Not to mention the people who have to commute great distances for middle class jobs who would love to live nearby. Yet…

I volunteered for one of the largest charities in the world. I was tasked with doling out basic necessities to people on the streets: socks, clothes, showers, toiletries. Transit passes could be had for bona fide job interviews or medical appointments. An occasional bicycle could be provided for people with employment and a significant commute. Transit passes are a huge issue of contention and one of the most valuable items on the street. People will do anything to get from…