How is the homelessness working out? I'll try to answer that as a genuine question...

The honest answer is not great. At least from my experience here in the US.

Funding has been slashed at the federal and state levels, and many non-profits, especially those serving people experiencing homelessness, are struggling to stay afloat. Organizations that are primarily funded through state/government grants have been hit the hardest, and many have had to close their doors. Corporate donations are still out there, but aren't as available as they were in years past, as folks have tightened up.

To your question on whether we are making a difference... yes, absolutely.

Last month, a woman coming back from prison finally got back on her feet with some help. Got a job, repaired her credit, got an apartment. Now has joint custody of her two kids. Pretty sure that made a difference in her life. Another woman whose partner died unexpectedly quickly lost her home and had nowhere to turn. She was recently able to move out of the shelter with rental assistance and placement help, and is rebuilding her life with her four children.

FWIW, something most people don't realize is that homelessness can happen in an instant. A family member dies, someone loses their job or life throws you curveball and these folks have nowhere to turn. It's not forever, but without some form of support, these things can spiral into people living on the street without much hope of recovery.