This is spot on. My experience volunteering at shelters is very similar.
The worst one was also the largest. They had a waitlist (effectively). You had to sign up in the beginning of winter, arrive between 7pm and 8pm, and mandatory breathalyzer. If they suspected you of using, urinalysis was also mandatory. There was a 3 strike policy but generally they would give you the boot after 1 infraction.
The majority of the people I interacted with there were chronic homeless, owing to the bureaucracy around being at that particular shelter.
That, and the egos associated with most directors of homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
The worst one was also the largest. They had a waitlist (effectively). You had to sign up in the beginning of winter, arrive between 7pm and 8pm, and mandatory breathalyzer. If they suspected you of using, urinalysis was also mandatory. There was a 3 strike policy but generally they would give you the boot after 1 infraction.
The majority of the people I interacted with there were chronic homeless, owing to the bureaucracy around being at that particular shelter.
That, and the egos associated with most directors of homeless shelters and soup kitchens.