“Homelessness is more than being homeless. It is linked to the needs of education, food, security; mental and physical health problems, work problems, etc. Don't forget the big picture. (“Boxed In” 2005 pg. 108) Throughout my research I have discovered that there is a real cry for action to provide more affordable homes not just locally but across the country. More available funding is needed to create more income or subsidized housing tools, and all levels of government must act. Being homeless means different things to different people; someone who has never been homeless might think that a homeless person is a person who lives on the street, in a tent, or in a box. Many people don't realize that there are a number of homeless people couch surfing with friends, family, or those living in motels who are not responsible for the number of homeless people. People, including families with children, elderly people, single parents, young people and single people, live in sub-standard housing and consider themselves homeless. In my experience as a real estate sales representative, I have looked at many rental properties that are owned by people commonly known as slumlords. These units are in disrepair with leaks, mold, holes in the walls, ceiling and poor floor coverings. Many people are afraid to push these problems to make repairs because they could lose their housing or their rent could be increased. There are people living in rooms in a house who are also at risk because they don't realize they are not protected by the Tenants Act, so landlords can remove them from their shelter without warning. I have also experienced people living in abandoned commercial buildings......middle of paper....../www.parl.gc.ca/40/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/citi- e/rep-e/rep02dec09-e.pdfCanadian Center for Policy Alternatives, Alternative Federal Budget 2011, Report: Rethink, Rebuild, Renew (p. 69, 70, 72, 75) Retrieved from: http://www.policyalternatives . ca/AFB2011All Together Affordable Housing Corporation, The Economic of Homelessness Retrieved from: http://all-together.ca/economics.htmlHastings County, Social Housing, “Boxed In” April 2005 (p. 6, 7, 15, 16, 23, 24, 108) Local sources (pages 110-114) Retrieved from: http://www.hastingscounty.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid=88Canadian Mental Health Association, “Homelessness Initiative” ( pages 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15) Affordable Housing Action Network, community consultation presentation, 18 January 2011, extracted from: http://www.hastingshouling.com/ahan/ahan_archive_reports.cfm