Lovely article. And so tragic. We have a similar problem over here. I cook at a soup kitchen here in London, but it's a huge systemic problem that can't be solved very easily. Like you we've got successive Governments failing to act, plus problems with immigration and low wages.

Where I used to live in the UK (Bristol) have come up with an ingenious solution to a worsening homelessness issue. https://www.southbristolvoice.co.uk/new-container-village-is-a-springboard-for-homeless -they've been using shipping containers (there are plenty) and turning them into small homes and grouped villages. It's a low cost and relatively environmentally friendly solution. Not sure how useful it would be in the US, as I know you have some serious heat and some serious cold that we don't -but it might be worth exploring as an option, or lobbying for in the absence of any other good ideas.

We don't agree on much, but we can agree on our isgust at people like your friend being forced into homelessness and suicide by an uncaring system. This is the 21st Century and we should've solved a problem like this by now.