[throwaway2037]

I've seen you post here many times on this topic. I always enjoy your posts and learn something new. Thank you to share.

Your last "nutshell" paragraph: I have read similar from other sources. Deeper question: Why? My thoughts: The weather in California makes it possible to be homeless, full time (12 months a year), without shelter -- not great, but not death by freezing. What do you think? I wonder if Hawai'i and Florida also have very high proportion of homeless people for similar reasons.

[DoreenMichele]

Weather is absolutely a factor. It's temperate and dry in some parts of California, making it much easier to just camp in a tent than places with freezing temperatures, lots of rain and snow.