There has not been a day missed at work where I have not encountered the homeless.
When I drive my car I park east of Boyle Street and walk to Canada Place. I walk right past the Salvation Army, Women's shelter and a myriad of characters.
I haven't been living under a rock, I know major cities have an inner city population of homeless and poverty stricken individuals, however, when you experience it for real everyday, I find it to be a shocking reality.
I am new to the downtown lifestyle and the fast pace busy people that surround me. I notice my seasoned coworkers do not even notice the wandering individuals begging, sitting or mumbling around them. I wonder if it is just a matter of time before I start to numb myself to the obvious as well.
Its strange, there is a regular group of homeless ( I say homeless but honestly I do not know if that in fact is true, I know its not fair to label someone like that without really knowing but I will go with it for the sake of discussion) Anyways, I see some these individuals the same I would see my co-workers , everyday, around the same time.
There is "sidewalk" guy he sits just outside the Salvation Army and uses the same line all the time "Excuse me ma'am, I'm hungry, some change, money for a cup a coffee?'...I gave him my banana once but I think he was disappointed and put it to the side. There is "pizza guy" he gets himself in trouble at the food court going from table to table(manages to get someone to buy him a piece of pizza the odd time). There is "grandma" lady, she has her cigarette outside the Salvation Army building. She doesn't say much but she always makes a big spit in the road standing from the sidewalk. Finally there is "can of coke guy" , he buys one can of coke and around 10 am everyday sits in the same place and drinks his can of coke while looking like he is deep in thought. I have to say he catches my attention the most. He looks very sad,his hair is long and gray and matches is beard and mustache. He wears a winter jean jacket and jeans. He keeps to himself and seems to be looking out past the crowd of people thinking about something.
I sit and wonder what his story is, actually I wonder what all of their stories are? What happened? Are they happy? Do they have family ?
It bothers me, alot.
These people are or were somebodies child at one time. Did things go bad that long ago. Could you imagine your child growing up and ending up a lost soul. How do these people slip through the cracks?
The irony is, I work in a government building, people come and go in such a mad rush and most times don't even notice the guy on the sidewalk.
Its just like the Christmas commercial where the people in poverty blend into the wall as shoppers hurriedly rush by.
Is it just a matter of time when I won't notice them either? Will I become complacent? The problem with complacency is it sneaks up on you.
I offer eye contact, a smile and above all respect, I don't want to loose that . I believe you cannot pass judgement until you walk a mile in someones shoes.
These people are homeless not soulless.
JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada
3 comments:
Wow Sifu;
I think I would be rather shocked at all of this. I grew up in Edmonton, but was always told to stay clear of this section of town. If you ever discover the stories behind any of these people I'd like to hear them.
Linda
I live on Boyle street. Every morning I walk out to my car in the back parking lot next to the big green trash bin. If there's someone going through the garbage I say good morning. If they're actually in the bin I tend not to say anything... Every morning.
I wonder too how people end up like this and what can we really do to help them get back on their feet.
This is truly a social issue that does not get enough positive attention. As a society we tend to associate the homeless and the mentally ill (and the two go hand in hand) with crime and filth. Many of these people are just a doctor away from leading a normal life. While most of us would be appalled if people walked by someone falling and spraining their ankle without offering to help, we think nothing of avoiding reaching out to someone who is obviously hearing voices and unable to cope. It is very frustrating because the system really does not have anything in place to help us help each other when it comes to mental health issues.
A very good post Sifu, change can only come about if people are educated and made aware of the problem. You definitely are creating awareness with posts like this.
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