system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What is the justification for homeless people receiving less government assistance than prisoners?

I know this doesn't happen everywhere, but I hear many stories about homeless people seeking incarceration for this reason.

Disclaimer (personal bias): I identify as liberal and somewhat socialist, but I try to keep my mind open and my mouth shut (especially on economic issues).
gpt
Here's the justification:
When the government takes custody of someone, it has an obligation to provide them the basic necessities of life -- food, clothing, shelter, sanitary conditions, and basic medical care.  The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires it.

The "state" otherwise owes no obligation to ensure that its citizens are fed, clothed, or sheltered.  And while many states have programs to provide food, clothing, and shelter to homeless folks, there are not enough resources, or homeless folks don't want them, or life circumstances (mental health issues, lack of ID, etc.) prevent them from taking advantage of those services.

Note that incarceration doesn't come "free."  Almost always a person convicted will have to pay fines, assessments, and may even have to pay for the costs of their incarceration.  When someone doesn't have the ability to pay, these debts aren't collected on, but if the person were to come into money, the state might put liens on the person's property or accounts to require repayment.