The problems

The very structures we live in can cause problems to canaries. For one thing, we get exposed to them so much that sensitization is almost inevitable. For another, few building products or furnishings are tolerable to begin with.

For this reason, many canaries are essentially homeless, living in tents, vehicles, and worse. One friend of mine lives on the front porch of her parents' house, in Georgia.

The house I live in with my non-canary husband is old and torn up, but I hesitate to renovate it, for fear of adding something I can't tolerate.

Finally, as I get older I feel the need of better support systems around me — but any retirement community I live in would have to be tailored to canaries.

More information

• MCS Safe Shelter USA — a group at Yahoo!
• MCS/EI Village - Discussion — at Yahoo
• A Google search for [MCS Housing]