Some of the homeless contend that only a few troublemakers cause all problems, while the rest are trying to extricate themselves from the cycle of joblessness and poverty. James Franklin Jr. spends his days on a bench outside City Hall — and says he's never had issues with officers or city officials. Still, Franklin said he's concerned about the overall societal attitudes about the homeless.

"I've been homeless, I've been a vagrant and now I'm a bum that's being hunted by bum hunters. You know, call me what you're going to call me, but quit switching me up," he said. "Call me James Franklin Jr., whether my situation is good or bad. I respect you and I expect you to respect me."