Cathy Crowe always wanted to be a nurse but she never planned to be a street nurse–a title she continues to use to evoke the horror of homelessness in a rich country like Canada. In Dying for a Home Crowe brings us the voices of ten homeless activists advocating for change. The word homeless conjures many stereotypes, but rarely does it suggest bravery, courage, charisma, or intelligence, qualities demonstrated by each of these determined individuals. The contents of Crowe's nursing bag reveal the hard truth of her specialty. Her vitamins will not prevent the white plague of tuberculosis from taking another life. The duct tape to fix a cardboard shelter, or the bus ticket to get an elderly man to a hot air grate, will not ensure a peaceful night of safety and sleep. Crowe's experience has taught her that the only thing homeless people have in common is being de-housed and forced to live in conditions of poverty. It is this first-hand experience with the disgrace of homelessness that turned her into a housing advocate and introduced her to the ten contributors to Dying for a Home. Read this book not only for the fascinating personal stories of a group of determined activists, but also for the political lessons on building solidarity, organizing coalitions, and mobilizing people against the neoliberal agenda. Prologue A Word from Cathy Chapter One Cathy Crowe, Street Nurse Chapter Two Melvin Tipping, Expert Witness Chapter Three Dri, Urban Legend Chapter Four Nancy Baker, Witness to All Chapter Five Marty Lang, Tent City Leader Chapter Six Brian Boyd, The Boy Next Door Chapter Seven The Colonel, Town Crier Chapter Eight James Kagoshima, Wise Guide Chapter Nine Kevin Clarke, Street Politician Chapter Ten Bonnie and Kerre Briggs, Talented Duo Epilogue Putting Words Into Action Acknowledgements Image Credits
