Ms. Woods you are right. This is totally not about making assumptions about poverty. Some people can work themselves out of extraordinary positions. Some cannot. The question her is how far, as a society should our compassion extend? Is this purely about survival of the fittest, or are we willing to accept that some people are not able to simply get a job, suck it up, and work through things without intervention on behalf of the community?
I agree that some are incapable of functioning in mainstream life since the closing of mental health facilities.
But also one thing rarely mentioned is how families are kept out of the process when a loved one is causing self harm. First, it is impossible to get information about a child or adult on the streets due to privacy laws. And if a family member tries to intervene they can be charged with kidnapping or abuse if they touch their loved one to take them home to a safe place. The same system that upholds the Charter of Rights also keeps key people apart.
I think families should be allowed to take guardianship of someone in dire straits without fear of breaking a serious and scary law. Interventions can work if they are permitted.