How can I put this. I'm not seeing evil here either. When I read this article, what struck me over and over was that there wasn't a lot of data collecting and there isn't a lot of communication going on and I can't help but think that those can be really useful.

I'm not disagreeing with cgod or you here, because you guys have valid points. What I'm trying to say here, is that I think with a little more effort to collect data this could become a better program, both for the cities and for the individuals involved. I think something as simple as a follow up survey in the form of a postcard, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days after the person has arrived at their destination, could yield a lot of information that makes these programs better. It doesn't have to be communication between cities and agencies and courts and such, but that could provide its own uses.

Either way, all the time people say more information could lead to better policies and decision making and I think that's true in this case. If a little extra effort could go to helping more people, I think we owe it to them.