I don't know if there's a more recent version of this document, but pages 16-17 of http://www.sfgov3.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=4... claim that 61 percent of SF homeless were living and working in SF before becoming homeless. An additional 15 % are from nearby counties (Marin, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Contra Costa), so at most a quarter of the homeless population could be said to be attracted there. Only 13 percent of those who moved to SF claim they did so because of the services there.
While undoubtedly, people move to places that are better for them, this is a minor effect, as the homeless tend not to have the resources to move around a lot and most people prefer to stay places they are familiar with. Either way, it's a shitty argument to make... homeless services should be provided regardless of whether or not it attracts people because it's the right thing to do. Perhaps the argument that should be made is that less of the financial burden should be placed on the city (i.e. more money from federal and state sources).
While undoubtedly, people move to places that are better for them, this is a minor effect, as the homeless tend not to have the resources to move around a lot and most people prefer to stay places they are familiar with. Either way, it's a shitty argument to make... homeless services should be provided regardless of whether or not it attracts people because it's the right thing to do. Perhaps the argument that should be made is that less of the financial burden should be placed on the city (i.e. more money from federal and state sources).