Two oversized beach umbrellas and a propane fire ring turned out to be the perfect combo for creating a warm, dry space for chatting with friends in a fall downpour on the Block, as Victoria’s epicentre of people living homeless is known. Things that help keep people warm and dry are supposed to be off limits for bylaw seizures in the city. But they aren’t, and others had already had their own propane heaters taken, as a “safety measure.” Whatever the policies say, people know to expect no kindnesses. “People hate us,” says Rick, holding the umbrella. “But if they took the time to know us, they’d see we’re not who they think we are.”