More people are now living below the poverty line in Canada that at any previous time in our history, even as our society as a whole becomes more afluent. At the same time, the middle class is reclaiming the inner cities, replacing old affordable housing for the poor with upscale real estate. And mentally ill Canadians, traditionally cared for in institutions, have been moved en masse into local communities which have neither planned for the influx nor allocated the resources for dealing with the strain it has put on special housing. The convergence of these economic, social and health care trends has left thousands homeless. Barbara Murphy’s On the Street examines the circumstances that have led to this situation and explores possible remedies. Her cogent arguments and lucid style make this a must-read for any Canadian who cares about the kind of society we are creating.

Barbara Murphy, an Ottawa writer and social policy consultant, writes about social issues affecting Canadians. Her books include, Eating the Wedding Gifts: Lean Years After Marriage Breakâ??up (2005), Why Women Bury Men: The Longevity Gap in Canada (2002), On the Street: How We Created the Homeless (2000), and The Ugly Canadian: The Rise and Fall of a Caring Society (1998).

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