It's heartbreaking to hear about the increasing numbers of homeless people as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis and the ensuing foreclosures. It's even more distressing to read that 2 million children will be affected as a result.

Many who join the ranks of the homeless are actually middle-class families. Many are renters of homes that were foreclosed. Practically all of them never expected to be in this situation. According to a study released in April by the National Coalition for the Homeless, "76% of displaced homeowners and renters are moving in with relatives and friends. About 54% are moving to emergency shelters. About 40% are already on the streets."

Well, I find this whole situation infuriating for several reasons. One is personal responsibility. I can't help but wonder how a middle-class family with two earners does not save enough for a rainy day. And if you can't manage that, what were you doing buying a 3,000-square foot house in the first place?

Another reason this is all so infuriating is lack of proper laws to protect tenants of foreclosed homes. What are renters to do if they're not even notified in time to arrange their affairs? What are they to do if they lose their deposits? What are they to do if the new owner doesn't assume the rental responsibilities? More protection is required in such situations.

Then there is good old plain greed and callousness. Somehow, they always seem to go hand in hand. The housing market is oversupplied, we hear. There is a great deal of inventory standing empty. Many foreclosed homes stand empty. So it wasn't enough that lenders, with their greed, brought the country to this mess, now they can't even see a way to redeem themselves. It's true, they're not in the business of renting homes out, but if there are empty homes, and there are homeless people, then perhaps they should. Or at least find a way to get those empty homes filled out.

Knowing them, they'll likely to still manage exploit the public even in this while making a buck or two for themselves, then why not do something good for a change?