This is why it needs to be enforced. If you're out on the street for too long you really should be thinking about your life while in you're in a prison cell. It might sound bad, but I know for a fact there is a chance it's better in a cell than gambling your safety out on the streets. However the people with "compassion" want to keep giving these people "support", which effectively makes their situation last longer. If you have literally no option but to sleep outside, a prison cell is not a bad option, and if authorities had their shit together they could even have low security prison just for homeless people and increase the likelihood they will improve their lives.