This is almost a FEMA level crisis.
Working with people who are in danger of becoming homeless is key to stoping the homeles population from growning more.
The unhoused that are unable to care for themselves would be moved to treatment facilities. We have closed hospitals and closed military bases that could be repurposed for this so they could get the help they need.
For the unhoused who want to remain outside, cities could take over or build large parking-like structures (8 to 10 stories tall). There are many underused parking structures with most offices in downtown areas working remotely now. Each homeless person could be assigned a spot to bring their things and pets. They could go there with the communities that they have formed on the streets. One of the reasons the roomkey programs doesn't work is that they are separated from their communities. They are no different than anyone else in their need for community.
The structures would protect them from sun and rain and there would be air flow going through. Toilets, showers, laundry, medical assistance and security for the residents and surrounding communities. If they need help with getting ID's, GED's and job training. Each floor could have their own "counsel" that could listen to any concerns of residents and they could try to handle it themselves or enlisting supervisors for help. Groups that help feed the homeless would have 1 central location to go to instead of spreading out over the city.
No one would be allowed to set up camping or living on or in streets, parks, beaches, underpasses etc. All would be directed or taken to the structure.
Homelessness is a harsh and dangerous lifestyle. It should not be a camp on the beach. It is a bio hazzard for the homeless and areas they live in. It is an ecological hazzard with the trash that is acumulating in encampments.
I belive this is a more cost effective idea than the $500,000 per single units that are being built now plus the structures could be repurposed quickly.
It is a way to encourage homeless to rejoin society by giving them sanitation, safety, job training and ID's.