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)
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
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