It would be nice to know if there is a correlation between homeless deaths and lack of shelter beds. From what I understand most urban centres have empty beds and the really entrenched homeless do not want to go to these places since alcohol and drugs are banned.   There are a few wet shelters around and I wonder what the mortality rate as such places might be.  The sad fact is some addicts will do anything in order to keep using.  There is a rooming house not far from me and some of these poor souls spend their days panhandling at the small mall.   One fellow used to collect bottles in order to afford alcohol but he is so horribly frail now he can barely panhandle.   His tobacco consumption has left him old beyond his years and probably with a whole bunch of chronic conditions.  When I see him next I will ask him how old he is.  He looks close to 80 but he might be mid 50s.   His buddy looks similar.  I never give them money but will give them food.