Peyton: 14 percent tax hike might be needed

[fatcat]

That will be an interesting experiment, if the City cuts funding to Sulzbacher, and they cut services to the homeless, will the homeless go somewhere else - another community that provides 'better' services? 

Let's pray (to the city councils)

[brainstormer]

^A number of posts above got me thinking.  We already pay to feed and house hundreds of homeless every day, correct?  What if our only options for social services were work based?  We continue to pay for food and shelter, but anyone who takes the service is required to work for a reduced minimum wage?  There are many things like cleaning parks, mowing, daycare, janitorial, fixing sidewalks, etc, that people could do.  Jobs the city now pays hefty wages to get done.  Some provide daycare while others work, so having children isn't an excuse.  There would be requirements for drug testing and you would not be allowed shelter if you were drunk.  These folks could work on job searches at night and could also receive classes in basic things like money management and work based training.  Because they would make a small amount for their work, hopefully some would be able to cycle out after a period of time.  Because this would be the only option in Duval County, the rest who didn't want to work would be on their own or would leave!  Mental health cases would need to be handled separately.

Anyone know of a city or program that is similar elsewhere in the United States or in other countries?  What are your thoughts?  Could something like this work?