I disagree with this, I think high cost of living has a lot to do with people's inability to take care of themselves. Drugs aren't necessarily the avenue people take to become homeless, but when you do become homeless your peers become people who generally do use drugs.
How much do you think rent needs to be so that the homeless can find housing? Because I can guarantee you that I've probably could find a place for that price, even in the bay area. In my experience, as someone who has spent some years in the bay area and who has always had under market rent, housing is quite cheap, most people just don't want it.
It's not the American ideal of a completely private, individual house/apartment. Living with roommates is seen as subpar or not a good choice for an adult.
I see what you mean. I've been moving quite a bit last few years, and the biggest factor that's prevented me from moving into a shared living spaces is my physical belongings. It's difficult moving a small apartment worth of items into an already established home. Or otherwise, establish a place and find renters with a complimentary set of belongings. I suppose practicing minimalism would get facilitate this.
Well if you want stuff, you have to pay to have it. We falsely think that acquiring things is a one-time cost. While true that owning something typically has a lower total cost of ownership, the relationship is not as cut and dry as often made out. For most people, renting certain things that they currently own would be a better use of resources.
