: who we are:

the things we accept,
those we defend without shame,
reveal who we are.

You would think a company expanding a service that helps homeless get off the streets (by providing them with a consistent means of being contacted) would be a non-controversial thing.

After all, providing one service to the homeless (lets say clothes) doesn’t preclude providing other services (lets say, job training, or housing). And having choices for services isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Thankfully we have a number of service providers for homeless families and individuals in our area.

But you would think wrong.

Both Mathew Ingram and Michael Arrington let Google have it for trumpeting its involvement in San Francisco’s Project Homeless Connect especially when alternatives like Community Voice Mail exist.

In fact, I’d say the verdict from the digerati – overall – was cynical and negative.

All I know is that I wish – I wish – services like these existed when I fought through my bout of living on the streets. I know from experience how important it is to have a steady means of contact when looking for work, dealing with family, or simply finding a place to sleep.

CNet: Google expands free phone number and voicemail project.