Realistic

Beware when you hear the world "realistic" in any conversation that involves morality. Too often are ideals pushed aside to clear a more "practical" way. Uncompromisable virtues are routinely compromised, as pursuing them is seen as to costly.

I'm not suggesting that you not pay attention to reality. On the contrary, the world is where the problem is, so study it as keenly as time allows as you make your decision. Quite often it is the "realist" who isn't paying attention to the world, systematically desensitized to the morally complex situation they are in. Efficiency is a value... not a reality, and those who strive for efficiency beyond all else feel burdened by what they see as the extra mandates of moral actions. Goodness isn't an onerous addition, rather it's the only purusit worth pursuing.

Being realistic and idealistic don't have to be separate mindsets. In fact, no intentional good can ever be done in ignorance of reality. So be realistic.

What you need to avoid is a realism that doesn't allow for change. Don't dismiss a cause simply because it hasn't happened yet. When looking at the history of ideas its pretty clear that huge strides have been made, and we are far from finished.

Also, avoid a realism that minimizes human reality. Solving the problem with homelessness is certainly complex on an economic level, but dismissing the pursuit as "unrealistic" ignores the very real suffering of very real people.