I used to live in a fairly big city in NY. There was a mental health center that had lots of funds cut every year. These poor people who had mental problems were let out on the street. I can remember seeing them. One man was always dressed up like a cowboy with chaps and cowboy hat. It was pitiful. One would be in his own world, dancing, jumping while the rest looked on. It seems many hung out in groups.
They needed help and the state cut them loose.
Now, unfortunately, many of these mentally ill people made themselves that way according to a nurse I know, who had to work with many of them. Many, but not all, were drug addicts and alcoholics.
You're right, it is disturbing to see it. And, I did use to wonder whos children these people were.