Kids on the street is the failure of the juvenile deliquency system. They get picked up for whatever minor violations, (which become more frequent and serious violations) and get sent home on probation. When was the last time you heard on the news a call for more money to help truant kids or programs, Never, but you do hear poltiicians get tough on juveniles to be charged as adults for crimes. It's easier to get tough and look like a crime fighter than to help.
All the more reason there should be a mandatory military service. At least the kids in story would learn how to build decent shelter.
You know, this is a very interesting idea. Too bad it has to be military service. Why can't it be Habitat For Humanity, or Greenpeace, or whatever? In other words, give a choice. On the other side, the responsibility of the institution would be that these people would come out with some skill that would allow them to be employable.