Homeless on the Street: The story of two people who lived it

UPDATE: *The Current is honoured to receive a Gabriel Award for this segment. Congratulations to Ines Colabrese and Anna Maria Tremonti.*

In the month of January, four homeless people have died on the streets of Canada's largest city, Toronto.

Nationally, there have been deaths this winter in Saskatoon and Edmonton already, though comprehensive statistics for the country are virtually impossible to come by. The recent cases have prompted familiar official conversations.But the voices we tend to hear from are those of academics, economists, and agency workers.

The Current decided to bring together a panel of specialists with a different perspective — two people who know first hand what it's like to be homeless.

Cheryl lived on the streets for years until a few months ago, and now has her own place.

And we've agreed not to reveal our other guest's name but call him by his nickname, "Captain." He's still on the streets, and searching for a home.

They both joined The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti in our Toronto studio.

This segment was produced by The Current's Ines Colabrese.