San Francisco apparently was spending $60,000 per tent, not because the tents are expensive, but because they also have to provide services like showers, meals, and 24-hour security. [1]

I’m no expert, but this doesn’t sound much like normal housing or camping? It seems to be its own thing.

[1] https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/amp/S-F-officials-want-...