Homelessness has been an increasing concern this last decade. Fresno, for example, is starting to look like Los Angeles; yet with a fraction of the population, now at around 500,000 with over 3,131 homeless and 2,536 existing without any form of shelter. They pose a constant issue and challenge for law enforcement, ambulance services, local business and property owners, and subsequently hospitals, mental health facilities, the county jails and court for minor infraction after minor infraction, failure to appear or register warrants, etc.
The reference to ‘Maslow’s hierarchy of needs’ is very relevant, the notion being alluded to within the article it is on par with local law enforcement busting repeat offenders for minor and victimless vice crimes without ever providing them any other real or meaningful alternatives (with exception to becoming a confidential informant—laugh), which could perhaps begin to redirect their life towards a more positive direction.