Homeless Gaining Visibility, Poll Finds

More people today than three years ago are noticing homeless people in their communities, and they blame everyone from the federal government to the homeless themselves, according to results of a poll published Sunday.

Most of the 1,533 people interviewed by telephone for the New York Times-CBS News poll said they wanted the government to do more about the problem, and about half of them said they would pay higher taxes to get it done.

About 51% of those participating in the nationwide poll answered yes when asked if they “personally see homeless people around your community or on the way to work.” Three years ago, 36% said yes to that question.

Blame for the worsening situation belongs to the Ronald Reagan Administration, 24% of those surveyed said.

Also, 50% of those polled blamed alcoholism and drug abuse by the homeless; 44% cited mental institutions for “releasing patients who aren’t ready to lead normal lives;” 37% said that homeless people are unwilling to work; 30% blamed local governments for failing to take care of the needy.

About 65% said they would support increased federal spending on behalf of the homeless.