Not all mentally ill are violent. It's been on the news lately. Is that why people scared to get help? The mistreatment and hospitalization. Mistreatment as they want you out. For example, where is a homeless person can go if there is no shelter? Ofcourse outside. But almost everywhere is private property except the woods. That means those businesses and public places don't want them there but where they suppose to stay. Why, is it because they are poor? It might lead them to jail.
What they need is housing for some of the mentally ill. There are some people not violent. Housing and job skills or training that can help them support themselves. Problem is in Maryland, I think the minimum wage is $8.75. I don't remember exactly. Even working at 40 hours a week, you may get $1400 (8.75 x (40/wk for 4 weeks). And apartments are above $1400 for a room. How is someone suppose to pay health insurance and afford for food in that condition? Even someone gets two jobs, it may conflict with the other jobs. For example, you can get two jobs that totals 40 hours a week. Even if you work two jobs and work more than 80 hours per work, you won't get enough sleep and nutrition. Lack of sleep and nutrition affects your performance on the job and you may lose it. You may even become mentally ill. If you can't pay for health insurance, then you can't be helped. This becomes a cycle where the poor are kept poor. This causes more problems.
As for the homeless, people won't hire because the way they look. And no education (some jobs require degrees, especially for a higher paying one such as $60k or maybe $30k per year), they will be stuck homeless.
Sometimes people are desperate, they have to do something for which it lead them to jail. Is it there fault? But what if they ask for help and they stuck at being poor or turned away lets say 5 different organizations, where they suppose to turn to. Or ask for help and can't get any? If someone ask for help and later on don't get that help anymore and desperate in a situation, should they be punished, jailed, or etc.?