I have to come back to this comment, and I’m not saying you meant this or knew what you were saying; however, some things within are a bit problematic and should be pointed out:
1) by saying “those who want to improve their lives” one is insinuating that a) a sizeable minority, if not the majority, do not want a better life. This is a very Reaganesque ideology “they choose to be in the streets” which persists to this day. Who really would choose that life? Unless you are calling leaving a violent and abusive home a choice (in the case of having a partner or family members who are abusive and/or discriminate based on your gender and/or sexual orientation, ability, or mental status).
Overwhelming amount of homeless youth left their homes or were kicked out because of who they are. And a disproportionate amount are BIPoC and/or LGBTQ+.
2) it also assumes that people have the means and social capital to change things. Homelessness is often a vicious spiral which is hard to get out of without a lot of support. If I had problems due to bills, losing a job, being kicked out of my home, mental issues I am privileged to have family and friends who would and could help me (social capital). Many do not have that. I am also privileged because I am a white, cis male and society looks at me differently and I automatically, by doing nothing, have a step up on many others.
3) I suspect statements such as this have come from people who have not spoken with too many homeless people.
“The city of Portland continues to ignore the problem.” This is a bit of a platitude and an easy way out. What does one mean when they say such things?
1) are they intimately aware of how much money Portland, or whichever city, spends on programs to help homeless and at-risk people?
And/or:
2) shame on Portland for not having solved centuries of racist policies, lack of a social system, inequitable education, inequitable housing and job markets, predatory lending, and a pervasive neo-liberal system and ideology that benefits from and preys on those with less by continuing the aforementioned shortcomings in society?
Homelessness isn’t a simple problem with a single solution. The entire system within the US needs to change. Thankfully there are people that are trying to change it, and there are organizations helping those who truly need it. But we need to educate ourselves and others around us to affect change and work on allyship, especially if we are in a position of privilege and power.
Cheers