Do you have numbers to backup that claim? You mean to tell me, as others have pointed out, that the cold weather and shelters kicking people out during the day plays no effect in homeless folks observed at the mall?

I don't buy what you say at face value as the SSA just increased it's cola payouts by 8.7 % whereas the annual inflation rate is now 7.7 - they're doing the complete opposite of what you're saying and paying out even more !

You mean to tell people here that, without shelter occupancy rate figures, and while giving you the benefit of the doubt that the homeless population increase is a fact ( nevermind the anecdotal claim that homeless folks observed at the mall has increased which is entirely separate) that the opioid epidemic has no variable in this equation?

Do we really need more shelters if the problem is existing shelters kicking people out during the day?

Are you saying some don't ? Why not ? Shouldn't public resources be distributed equally ? It's likely either they permit stay during the day at all shelters or not at all across the board. If not, should it continue and should malls fill up as a consequence ?

And?

What does that have to do with proper homeless shelters that offer heat, food, and a place to shit ?

This is a sub reply to a comment that noted the malls offering basic needs as the reason for the influx. The State ought to meet this minimum need if it isn't already.

Begs the question of whether the state's existing resources are not meeting the needs of the homeless or if there are other motives for their choices. The reasons you list should be provided already and not be the responsibility of the mall. That said, who doesn't like to get out and stretch their legs and even so in colder climates?!