Issues relating to the homeless have become the most critical issues in local politics.  Eugene has more experience than most other communities, who have only recently become aware of the problems. 
Homelessness will probably increase in the future, and simplistic solutions don't work.  This is going to require a lot of input from everyone from all political perspectives, and an acceptance of the fact that some of the "experimental" programs are not working. 
One thing to keep in mind is that EVERYONE is no more than a one or two uncontrollable catastrophic events that could result their becoming "homeless."  So, before you advocate harsh punitive treatment of these people, remember, one day it could be YOU. And if you think that is not true, you have a false sense of your own invulnerability.