I'm going to go out on a limb and say there *IS* a difference between protesters leaving their private homes and going to a public area for a rally, and unhoused people who don't have private property https://twitter.com/jarmstrongbc/status/1385795499324706820

From a legal perspective, yes both are in public property and you can film them.

But from an ethical perspective it is a lot more murky and I don't feel comfortable equating the two

Personally when I am reporting on unhomed people I ask people if I can take their pictures. It accomplishes two things: those who do not want their image taken can have their privacy, and those who don't mind will share their story and I learn more

Idk and you can debate that. Especially if you're trying to take wide shots (although even then I find most effective practice is to say 'hey, I'm gonna take some shots from over there, not gonna focus on faces, but just so you know'). But comparing the two? No