Wow Tanya. Your difficult child sounds exactly like mine. Exactly. From the homelessness to the crisis messages to the multiple Facebook pages. There are currently 9 that I know of and I'm sure many more that I don't know of.
I've come a long way in my detachment but I'm still not quite 'there' yet. I still have major PTSD when he messages me and tells me he's cold and dying etc. It's difficult for me to be comfortable in my warm, cozy home when I know my son is sleeping on the streets in freezing cold temperatures. Today I took a call from him and he very realistically told me that things will never change and it's a vicious cycle to get out of and he has no hope for his future. It was very sad to hear him say that with such certainty. I agree that it's a vicious cycle - especially with the mental illness factor - but in my opinion he truly doesn't try hard enough to get help. He's had recent opportunities to get off the streets but he doesn't want to go to an unknown town, leave his friends, etc, etc. There is always some excuse as to why he can't. It's frustrating but it helps me realize that it's his choice and it must not be that bad if he's refusing shelter when it's available.
Anyway, thank you for posting and sharing your experiences. Your strength gives me strength.