Part of the problem here, is the fact that the city does have places for homeless people to stay, but they often don't want to go there. I'm seeing more people who clearly live in their cars lately, but it can't be said that the city doesn't do anything or that they don't try. MKE has a bad reputation WRT the Police, but it's not accurate universally, nor are the officers uncaring- I started to listen to a police scanner app because sirens and activity was increasing not far from my house, so I wanted to know if they were getting much closer. That has happened a few times and a chase involving armed carjackers ended directly in front of my house. But the point is, when I'm listening, I hear interactions with homeless, mentally ill and all kinds of people, without the anger, condescention or lack of caring that people say is typical of that department.
MKE has a hard time with overspending on things it doesn't need and the people don't necessarily want. The things the people want and need- crickets.