There have been studies proving its significantly cheaper to house the homeless than to manage the secondary effects of mass homelessness as we do. We want homelessness because our culture is highly punitive, with many believing some deserve to suffer for making “bad” decisions to feel superior. Schadenfreude is a hell of a drug. They also function as scarecrows for the capitalists, ensuring the working poor knows what happens if they fail to show up for their scheduled exploitation.