As a former homeless outreach volunteer, I’ve long noted that the majority of homeless are men, most of whom do not want shelter but would rather reside in our streets and parks. The city’s “compassionate disruption” program is sensible encouragement for the homeless to take responsibility by seeking assistance at shelters.

The Institute of Human Services’ 2017 annual report documents the effectiveness of the city’s Housing First Initiative: When the chronic homeless are placed in permanent housing, there is dramatically less substance abuse, arrests, ER visits and hospitalizations, along with improvement in general health and a greater hope for the future.

There has been an 89 percent retention rate in this program. This saves huge taxpayer dollars and reduces homeless vandalism and crime in public venues like the Children’s Discovery Center and other public places.

The city and state need to take stronger measures to move the resistant, intractable homeless into permanent shelter.

John Nakao

Ala Moana

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