The main concern of most people living on the streets is hard to establish - there
are so many basic needs that they need to satisfy simply in order to survive.
The elusiveness of the homeless population can give us a false sense of reality,
since often times the majority of the homeless population remains hidden to the
general public. So the question arises - Where do they go? Where do they eat,
sleep and live? The answer to this question is not a simple one, yet there are
several known locations where these people can find some safety, and perhaps even
a little bit of comfort. From abandoned warehouses to unfinished construction
sites on Central Toronto real estate, there are many out-of-the-way places that
homeless people find to make their home. However, it is always a temporary home,
since at any given moment they may be evicted from their assumed residence.
Finding clothing is one of the major problems that homeless people are faced
with. This is not such a grave concern in the summer months, where one could
easily get by with a few pairs of shorts and womens T shirts. Yet during the
blisteringly cold winter, finding jackets, scarves, hats and gloves is of vital
importance if they are to survive the cold season. Many organizations hold winter
coat donation drives, and anyone can donate old winter gear that is then distributed
to the homeless population. This is one great resource that ensures they will
be warm during those long cold nights outside.
Many homeless people find nooks and crannies all over the city that serve as
their shelter. Whether it is under bridges or overpasses, in between buildings
in alley ways, or in Victoria or Lytton park, for example, many green spaces
in the city become homeless havens. It is a common sight in larger cities to
see homeless people right on the streets and sidewalks of many busy areas.
These high traffic areas are great places for homeless people to pan handle
and try to earn some money to buy their next meal. Yet governments and local
business owners have historically been uneasy with these live-in fixtures so
close to their establishments, and so the homeless are often kicked out or asked to leave. Most people don't like the thought of homeless people loitering outside of their Toronto catering shop or home. The number of arrests of homeless people proves that the law is constantly thwarting the attempts of these individuals to earn some money and find a safe place to sleep. When they are driven out of the area that they
previously called home, these individuals may seek out the warmth and comfort
of their local shelter, or drop-in center.
These establishments are like an oasis at times, providing food, shelter and
companions for the homeless. Not only do these shelters provide these basic
needs to the homeless population, but the staff and volunteers assist them in
finding jobs, receiving funds from the government, even searching for Thornhill Ontario real estate with the intentions of building another shelter! Homeless people
are in every city, hidden away from the glaring eye of society that does not
accept or understand their plight.
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