Many years ago I knew a person who had been a Conservative councillor, chairman of an urban district council and a magistrate. His business failed, so did his marriage and he became homeless, took to drink and died before reaching his 60th birthday.
Another person ran a building company, a major contract to build a school failed. He too lost everything.
The causes of homelessness are many and it is correct to state that the causes of homelessness for a particular individual are often the fault of that individual, but not in all cases.
UPDATE: 3 March 2012
http://www.yourtunbridgewells.co.uk/news/historic_property_suggested_as_new_premises_for_tunbridge_wells_soup_kitchen_1_1223281
The factors leading up to a person becoming homeless can strike quickly, then homes and family disappear, former friends shun the afflicted person, solace is found in drink. All the familiar landmarks disappear.
The simple truth is that homelessness can strike all sections of society, the smug self-satisfied person of today can become the person sleeping in a heap of rags and cardboard in car parks, cut off from the rest of society.
It is the mark of a civilised society that help is given to people suffering misfortune. Much of the support that does exist for the homeless is provided by the voluntary sector and, in particular, the churches. Statutory support is patchy. I recall well the efforts (unsuccessful) of the Conservative majority on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to stop the building of a hostel for the homeless in Tunbridge Wells.
The news that the Soup Bowl in Tunbridge Wells is to close after 24 years is disquieting. The Soup Bowl provides one meal a day for the homeless and is a lifeline for them. It has been given notice to quit by the council. Whilst I cannot comment on the reasons given for the notice being issued, one would hope that the council will support strongly the Soup Bowl to secure alternative premises. After all, councillors are not immune from the risk of becoming homeless.
See: http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/soup_kitchen_for_tunbridge_wells_homeless_to_close_after_neighbours_complaints_1_1201591
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