Meaning of Home

I am so thankful for my home. It keeps me safe; it keeps me warm, and I feel loved in my home. I thank God everyday I’m not homeless. Today homelessness is at an all-time high. It is horrible and everyone deserves a home, a place to feel safe and have a roof over their heads. Between 150,000 and 300,000 of the Canadian population is homeless today. My aunt used to work at a women’s shelter and would help the women there find a nice safe home, no cost of price. I would love to become a social worker like her and help people. That’s why I think Habitat for Humanity Canada is an amazing organization doing great things for people, because there is more than one reason someone could end up on the streets. We shouldn’t assume the worst and ignore them; we should try to help with what we have. Only 38% of the homeless population are alcohol dependent, and 26% abuse drugs, this is of the whole homeless population in the world according to (SAMHSA)/ the Mental Health Services Administration. Domestic violence is the main reason for poverty. Addiction is the 6th reason someone could end up on the street. The lack of affordable housing is also up there, homelessness is horrible. Especially in the winter, people must stay in tents - and most homeless people do not have tents to sleep in! In all of Canada, Toronto has the largest homeless rate - for every 10,000 people in Toronto, 30 are homeless. Also, more than 80 people freeze from hypothermia on the streets in Canada each year. Now, I would like to formally thank Habitat for Humanity Canada for allowing many homeless people to experience a loving home. Thank you!