In my home town of Ottawa, the "Ottawa Citizen" posted a story about how this winter, despite how cold it has felt this winter, "this has been a warmer winter than usual." Reporter Graham Hughes goes on to remark "That said, homeless shelters in the area have experienced a surge in the number of people seeking a warm place to hang out during the day." It is the derisiveness of the term "hang out" that left a bad taste in my mouth. We are talking about homeless people here--they have no jobs or homes--so is it a matter of hanging out?? Hanging out is what teenagers do in malls when they are bored. Homeless people are seeking shelter in the one of the only places they can. I encourage Mr. Hughes to go stand outside during this so-called mild winter and see how long before he seeks shelter. It is that kind of mentality that leads to this "lazy homeless" stereotype.

However, I was pleased by the quote from Jennifer Crawford of the Ottawa Mission who claimed ""Our policy is to not turn anyone away...We'll put mats on the floor of the chapel and in the lounge, if needed." "Ottawa Citizen" Now that is the way it should be. True generosity. I am humbled by those who have devoted their lives to helping the less fortunate. They fight enormous odds to keep these places open and work by the skin of their teeth. It is the kind of idealism that all religions in their purest form can be boiled down to: Help those less fortunate than yourselves. Thank you to all of you across the Nation.

Also, a big thanks to everyone who donated time and money to the London, Ontario United Way Fundraising Drive. In 2007, the "fundraising drive was its most successful yet, surpassing a $7.2-million goal by more than $40,000," according to the London Free Press. Of specific interest to Homeless Nation is the Boys and Girls Club, which received a subsidy of "$431,000." "Some of the money will go to subsidize membership fees for members "less fortunate," said executive director Don Donner. " An organization such as this provides the kind of support that impoverished young children need, so they do not become the runaways of the future. Also of interest to HN is the "London Coffee House Program, which offers the homeless free coffee, snacks and a place to chat...(it relies) almost totally on United Way donations." "London Free Press" So thanks to everyone supporting these grassroots programs when governments seem to fall flat on their faces with apathy or idiocy. The list of programs aided by the United Way reads like a who's-who of essential social and charitable services Many of them del with issues that are intertwined with homelessness: sexual assault, Mental Health, unemployment, just to name a few.. So help them with your money and/or your time.

I also send out my regards to the "recent death of a homeless man in Cape Breton...(who)...died outside in the winter""Cape Breton Post" recently. "Martin MacPherson, 51, died of exposure..." . Sadly, he froze to death on the back porch of a house. It is a sorrow whenever the Homeless Nation loses a member, and I hope wherever he is now, he realizes that his death was not overlooked. "...Deputy Chief Myles Burke said the police department has already begun plans to focus on helping people with mental health problems." "CBC" Let's hope we don't have to see this ever again. Take care, HN.

Read more of Drew's blogs here: http://homelessnation.org/en/blog/2813