I think you're vastly overestimating the proportion of people against social safety nets who would change their tune when presented with indisputable evidence that they are wrong.
Truth. Even the Dems in my state capital spent more time denigrating the housing first homeless advocate than they did discussing their own policies as mayor (which of course are just more of the same). Thankfully the dude who won was at least semi-progressive, he’s already declared a state of emergency and opened hundreds of beds. Here’s hoping he keeps it up and other places get similar quality politicians. In the meantime, I recommend joining your local Food Not Bombs if you can and getting to know your disaffected and unhoused communities.
The study specifically selected people with no substance abuse problem.. if anything the author of the study were wary of what you say is a reactionary perspective.