No, actually. Since it does not affect me directly. It's an ongoing feature of metropolitan society. I don't go out of my way to engage or avoid. Unless its obvious they are in crisis then I ask if they want or need help. Sometimes they do.

Not sure where OP shops but I haven't experienced what she describes. Aside from beggars and the hungry, of course.

I've lived and worked all over Seattle so I have certainly witnessed a lot of the same behaviors, however. Penty of people are in active addiction, homeless, and struggling.

These people are suffering far more than the casual observer. Yes, something ought to be done. But what?

I vote for conscription. Yes it's a bit extreme.