The government in Canada did make attempts, in the fashion of 'too little, too late' to "contain the rapid growth of homelessness with homeless shelters and other short-term crisis-based services." (Laird, 2007; p.,6) This is a failed strategy according to Laird (2007); Huff (2006); Hargrave (2005); Pollack (2008). The Government of Canada has reported in its' March 17, 2008 report that it is assisting families and individuals who "are trying to break out of the cycles of poverty and homelessness and build a better future for themselves." (Human Resources and Social Development Canada, 2008) it has been reported in the work of Pollack (2008) entitled: "Who Are Canada's Homeless?" that only two decades ago: the problem of homelessness seemed minor and was thought to be about single men with alcohol problems living on the streets. Today, in almost every urban centre across Canada, the situation is changing, and conservative estimates are that there are some 200,000 Canadians -- men, women and children -- who are homeless. Indeed, the fastest growing segments among the homeless are young people under age 18 and families with children. A recent task force report indicated that 46% of those using Toronto's hostels in 1996 were families and that 5,300 children lived in hostels in that year."

Pollack cites as causative: "Fewer and fewer low-cost" units for rent and "the withdrawal of federal and provincial support for social housing and the rise in poverty among single-parent families headed by women..." (2008) Findings show that of single women who are homeless seventy-five percent have some type of mental illness. (Pollack, 2008; paraphrased) Homelessness results in psychological problems because homelessness "divorces the individual from the patterns of day-to-day life." (Pollack, 2008) Pollack ends her work by asking a simple question: "Should we give money to people begging on the street?" Pollack answers by stating: "If not, why not?" (2008) the government of Canada stated plans March 17, 2008 to "invest more in affordable and supportive housing this year than any government in Canada's history. We are currently spending more than $2.7 billion annually." (Human Resources and Social Development, Canada, 2008)

Instead of an act of commission and neglect with intent, the government of Canada attacked the problem late in the day until the problem had swelled into a crisis. New initiatives are needed in Canada to rebuild society and indeed to not only give money to those in the streets begging, but also to give them shelter. However, ultimately, it is the very fabric of society in Canada that begs to be addressed and requires determined and focused development of chances to earn a fit income and the ultimate benefits of returning families to self-supporting and productive lives thereby relieving the extreme costs to government by homelessness in a poverty stricken existence resulting in reliance upon the government throughout their lives in never-ending poverty. This problem to be solved in reality will have to be addressed at its' very roots in society in order to make a change that will last and be sustainable in the future for Canada's society and governmental structure.
Bibliography

Government of Canada Improves Situation for Homeless People in the Saguenay Region (2008) Human Resources and Social Development Canada. 17 Mar 2008. Jonquiere, Quebec. Online available at http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=385699

Pollack, Gladys (2008) Reader's Digest. Canada. Online available at http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2001/01/homeless.html

Hargrave, Connie (2008) Homelessness in Canada - Share International 1 April 2008. Online available at http://www.share-international.org/archives/homelessness/hl-ch_Canada.htm

Laird, Gordon (2007) Homelessness in a Growth Economy. Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. 2007 Online available at www.churiethicsfoundation.ca.

Begin, P; Casavant, L; and Chenier, NM (1999) Homelessness. Parliamentary Research Branch Canada. PRB99-1E. Online available at http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/modules/prb99-1-homelessness/index-e.htm

Homelessness in Canada