I agree with Platapus here on all points.
Something detrimental has taken place in their lives to put them into this position. i wouldnt go so far as to say "society has failed them" because usually they got into that position by faults of their own - alcohol abuse - drug abuse etc
I also know it is a fact that there are people who take to "pan handling" for a living.
that is that they make respectable careers out of begging... some of which reportedly bring in $30-50,000 annually just by begging, they are in fact home owners or renters and in all likelihood own a car and have a nice place to stay at the end of the day.
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