I would agree that we need spaces for people to exist while they navigate the scheme of life.
I run a program called recovery in transition, which holds people while they wait for that long-term recovery bed to become available. Even though we're currently very recovery-focused in Alberta, it can still be upwards of 10 weeks to actually access the long-term recovery program that can help someone have a new path for life.
You are right. We need those transitional spaces for people to exist, be safe, remain sober and incorporate tools that provide them the strength to not return to use. That is even just as simple as having someone to build a relationship with who gets to know their name and their story.