Final answer:
Homeless shelters are examples of normative formal organizations that provide temporary solutions to homelessness but often lack resources to address its root causes. They operate within bureaucratically structured systems and are an important part of community outreach in addressing societal challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homeless shelters are indeed examples of formal organizations, specifically fitting within the category of normative organizations which sociologist Amitai Etzioni categorizes as groups based on shared interests that members join voluntarily, often because they find membership intrinsically rewarding. These shelters, while offering temporary solutions to homelessness, do not always have the means to address the underlying causes of this issue. Moreover, they are often found in high concentrations within specific neighborhoods, like those known as Skid Rows, which can lead to other societal challenges.
While formal organizations are usually bureaucratized, meaning they have an established system of administration and control, this doesn't always imply efficiency in fulfilling their mission, such as assisting individuals with obtaining permanent housing. Various types of organizations, including Girl Scout troops and correctional facilities, as illustrated by the accompanying images, are formal organizations functioning with different purposes and structures.
Shelters play a crucial role in the community as organizations like ReStart offer outreach services that make a difference for those experiencing homelessness. Yet, they are one aspect of a much larger societal system aiming to tackle this complex socioeconomic issue.