Giving time
The email arrived. “Remember me? We met on the ferry last week? I’ve been looking at the website, and I’d love to volunteer… what do I do next?”
Indeed I did remember.
Travelling home on the ferry from Vancouver Island, we’d struck up conversation with one another, shared our stories. Her open and ready smile portrays her friendly and positive attitude. A ready laugh, an approachable manner. She has seen troubles, though. Although in her early 20s the cane she used was temporary, until the knee and hip replacement surgery. And the surgery was only a minimal inconvenience, since the cancer that was going to imminently take her life at age 16 was gone, had been for several years. The extensive organ damage from chemotherapy, a second threat, was also healed. She was happy with the temporary cane.
We met and toured Emergency Shelter and housing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, chatting about what volunteer tasks she saw herself doing. “I’ll do whatever needs to be done. I like people.” Optimism and hope radiate from her. I want to place here where she’ll have contact with people.
She starts her volunteer role this week. And while the task she does is simple and important, the true gift she brings is a genuine friendliness and a positive attitude. She has strength and empathy from having faced death, and yet firmly embraced life.
She is a hero.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Homelessness - what's after?
Homelessness – what’s after?
Introduce the subject of homelessness into a conversation and you’re almost guaranteed to get an extreme reaction. A reaction that is either a compassionate declaration of action to help people who have hit misfortune, or a politicized lecture on why people shouldn’t be helped, but should perhaps be shipped out-of-province.
Homelessness is not a single issue. It is also not a one-size-fits-all solution.
So… let’s forget about the word “homelessness” for a moment, and consider people.
What about ‘George’? A developmentally disabled more mature adult from BC, George’s family are not in close contact with him. He has a history of living on the street, but that is long in his past. Now he lives in a bachelor suite in a supported (staffed) community, collects a pension that he’s learned to manage, and volunteers every day in an office, running errands or helping where he can.
Or we’ll consider ‘Robert’. A Vancouverite who accepted help to give up alcohol, go back to school, and get himself back on-track to the middle management work that he did before life on the streets.
Or ‘Bill’. A widower, now in retirement housing, who needed help to sort out the paperwork to get housed, to receive his pension. Lost without his wife, he had found himself on the streets, a homeless senior citizen, until offered some direction.
Or ‘John’. A 20-something who ended up on the streets after his Mom passed away, and the relationship with his Dad deteriorated. Given just a little encouragement and help, he is completely on track with full time work and his own condo. And he and his Dad are working on their relationship.
Are there stories that don’t have a happy ending? Sadly, yes, there are. But for the people that we can make a difference for, we do.
You can too.
Introduce the subject of homelessness into a conversation and you’re almost guaranteed to get an extreme reaction. A reaction that is either a compassionate declaration of action to help people who have hit misfortune, or a politicized lecture on why people shouldn’t be helped, but should perhaps be shipped out-of-province.
Homelessness is not a single issue. It is also not a one-size-fits-all solution.
So… let’s forget about the word “homelessness” for a moment, and consider people.
What about ‘George’? A developmentally disabled more mature adult from BC, George’s family are not in close contact with him. He has a history of living on the street, but that is long in his past. Now he lives in a bachelor suite in a supported (staffed) community, collects a pension that he’s learned to manage, and volunteers every day in an office, running errands or helping where he can.
Or we’ll consider ‘Robert’. A Vancouverite who accepted help to give up alcohol, go back to school, and get himself back on-track to the middle management work that he did before life on the streets.
Or ‘Bill’. A widower, now in retirement housing, who needed help to sort out the paperwork to get housed, to receive his pension. Lost without his wife, he had found himself on the streets, a homeless senior citizen, until offered some direction.
Or ‘John’. A 20-something who ended up on the streets after his Mom passed away, and the relationship with his Dad deteriorated. Given just a little encouragement and help, he is completely on track with full time work and his own condo. And he and his Dad are working on their relationship.
Are there stories that don’t have a happy ending? Sadly, yes, there are. But for the people that we can make a difference for, we do.
You can too.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Service outside the box
Service outside the box from inside… the box
The sometimes shocking reality of homelessness is a lack of health care. Yes, we live in Canada where we all have access to health care (which I am thankful for). And yes, technically the homeless have access as well.
The reality is that health care professionals often can’t find the time to treat the homeless. And, because of the assessed risk to self and to others from communicable illnesses – including influenzas – the homeless are discouraged from attending clinics. Their depressed immune systems make them easy prey to the latest viruses.
But some doctors are working around limitations of time and space where they can.
This past week a man came to the Shelter needing a place to stay. It soon became apparent that he was ill, so staff made him comfortable and contacted a Doctor.
This Doctor was time-challenged, but compassionate. And more than that – he was both creative and computer savvy. He connected by Skype to the Shelter, and made a preliminary diagnosis by computer, over the Internet using voice and camera.
While this isn’t a replacement for an in-person medical assessment, it was very much appreciated by staff, the recipients of instruction into the care of this man. A follow up appointment is scheduled.
Bravo!
The sometimes shocking reality of homelessness is a lack of health care. Yes, we live in Canada where we all have access to health care (which I am thankful for). And yes, technically the homeless have access as well.
The reality is that health care professionals often can’t find the time to treat the homeless. And, because of the assessed risk to self and to others from communicable illnesses – including influenzas – the homeless are discouraged from attending clinics. Their depressed immune systems make them easy prey to the latest viruses.
But some doctors are working around limitations of time and space where they can.
This past week a man came to the Shelter needing a place to stay. It soon became apparent that he was ill, so staff made him comfortable and contacted a Doctor.
This Doctor was time-challenged, but compassionate. And more than that – he was both creative and computer savvy. He connected by Skype to the Shelter, and made a preliminary diagnosis by computer, over the Internet using voice and camera.
While this isn’t a replacement for an in-person medical assessment, it was very much appreciated by staff, the recipients of instruction into the care of this man. A follow up appointment is scheduled.
Bravo!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
What's it like?
What’s it like?
“The homeless have it easy.” Stated with the certainty of someone who doesn’t know.
“You have no idea what you’re saying, my friend. I bet you couldn’t go…” The challenge was on.
I watched a youtube video this past week, filmed by a university student who took the challenge to live on the streets, homeless, for 30 days. He had virtually nothing with him for his odyssey, but a backpack and a camera.
The first days were easy for him. He found a decent shelter, was provided a change of clothing, food. I happen to know he would have been given the opportunity to build a plan to become housed. But then he moved on.
He found himself at the kind of shelter that provided a place to crash among many other homeless men, many of whom were ill. He described the smell, the hacking coughs, the restless nights. After several nights, he became quite ill himself, and was advised by the doctor not to return to the shelter, he would become more ill. He made himself a bed in a back alley, truly sleeping on the streets.
He got to know people. He got to experience the grit.
He even chose to try drugs, against the advice of the people who live on the streets. “Don’t try it!” But he found others who would let him do what it was he wanted to do.
When the experience turned really bad, he went home to the great downtown condo that was just waiting for him, several days before his avowed 30 day experience was complete. He slept for hours, and took some time to get healthy.
Did he really experience life on the street? To some degree, yes. He found the friendship and camaraderie among those who share the common trauma of having nothing. He experienced the work of staying alive. He witnessed the downside. He experienced discomfort.
But his experience would have been different from real life on the streets.
For him, this was an adventure, an experiment with an easy “out”. He always had a place to retreat to. He had friends to check on him, and, while he made friends, his life didn’t depend on his street friends. His decision making was coherent, and based on building a full experience – it was not influenced by addiction, or physical or mental illness. He didn’t accept the help to get off the streets, because his agenda was quite different.
Making a difference in the lives of people living on the streets doesn’t happen when you temporarily store your stuff, sleep rough, and get sick along with everyone else. Making a difference happens when the healthy extend a hand of friendship, and help those on the street to get their lives back.
(Note: Volunteer with Agencies or Organizations who are providing services.)
“The homeless have it easy.” Stated with the certainty of someone who doesn’t know.
“You have no idea what you’re saying, my friend. I bet you couldn’t go…” The challenge was on.
I watched a youtube video this past week, filmed by a university student who took the challenge to live on the streets, homeless, for 30 days. He had virtually nothing with him for his odyssey, but a backpack and a camera.
The first days were easy for him. He found a decent shelter, was provided a change of clothing, food. I happen to know he would have been given the opportunity to build a plan to become housed. But then he moved on.
He found himself at the kind of shelter that provided a place to crash among many other homeless men, many of whom were ill. He described the smell, the hacking coughs, the restless nights. After several nights, he became quite ill himself, and was advised by the doctor not to return to the shelter, he would become more ill. He made himself a bed in a back alley, truly sleeping on the streets.
He got to know people. He got to experience the grit.
He even chose to try drugs, against the advice of the people who live on the streets. “Don’t try it!” But he found others who would let him do what it was he wanted to do.
When the experience turned really bad, he went home to the great downtown condo that was just waiting for him, several days before his avowed 30 day experience was complete. He slept for hours, and took some time to get healthy.
Did he really experience life on the street? To some degree, yes. He found the friendship and camaraderie among those who share the common trauma of having nothing. He experienced the work of staying alive. He witnessed the downside. He experienced discomfort.
But his experience would have been different from real life on the streets.
For him, this was an adventure, an experiment with an easy “out”. He always had a place to retreat to. He had friends to check on him, and, while he made friends, his life didn’t depend on his street friends. His decision making was coherent, and based on building a full experience – it was not influenced by addiction, or physical or mental illness. He didn’t accept the help to get off the streets, because his agenda was quite different.
Making a difference in the lives of people living on the streets doesn’t happen when you temporarily store your stuff, sleep rough, and get sick along with everyone else. Making a difference happens when the healthy extend a hand of friendship, and help those on the street to get their lives back.
(Note: Volunteer with Agencies or Organizations who are providing services.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Being Found
Being Found
Greta contacted the host of the Reality Show. “Can you help me? I haven’t seen my brother in more than 20 years, and I’d like to know if he’s OK…” The last time her brother, Kurt, had been heard from he was not doing well. She’d heard he was living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in poverty, homeless.
The TV show host agreed to look into her brother’s whereabouts, and get back to her. It was a challenge to find Kurt. The Shelters respect the privacy – and safety – of guests and residents, and don’t give out information about who is staying in Shelter. People who aren’t in touch with their family are sometimes not eager to be found. Years had passed, memories dimmed. But the TV show host persisted.
The upshot? This weekend Greta is being flown to Vancouver from Europe to be reunited with her brother. He is doing well now, and lives in a suburban neighbourhood. He’s thrilled to be in contact with his sister!
But, shhhh. It’s a secret. Greta doesn’t know that he’s been found, or that her invitation here is to meet him. She thinks she’s just going to help the search. Sunday is the big day!
Although this happy story is unfortunately not a typical experience for those that are homeless, or who live close to the streets, all of us celebrate this reunion.
Greta contacted the host of the Reality Show. “Can you help me? I haven’t seen my brother in more than 20 years, and I’d like to know if he’s OK…” The last time her brother, Kurt, had been heard from he was not doing well. She’d heard he was living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in poverty, homeless.
The TV show host agreed to look into her brother’s whereabouts, and get back to her. It was a challenge to find Kurt. The Shelters respect the privacy – and safety – of guests and residents, and don’t give out information about who is staying in Shelter. People who aren’t in touch with their family are sometimes not eager to be found. Years had passed, memories dimmed. But the TV show host persisted.
The upshot? This weekend Greta is being flown to Vancouver from Europe to be reunited with her brother. He is doing well now, and lives in a suburban neighbourhood. He’s thrilled to be in contact with his sister!
But, shhhh. It’s a secret. Greta doesn’t know that he’s been found, or that her invitation here is to meet him. She thinks she’s just going to help the search. Sunday is the big day!
Although this happy story is unfortunately not a typical experience for those that are homeless, or who live close to the streets, all of us celebrate this reunion.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Olympics in Vancouver
The Olympics and the Homeless
What an awesome time everyone in Vancouver had during the Olympics! There was singing in the streets. Hugs. Things to do for free. Things to do that were not free! Our lives were on-hold during hockey. We all watched curling. We shared our home with the World gladly. We were so jazzed about the Olympics that any naysayers gave up and went home in the face of mass enthusiasm.
Everyone had an opportunity to share in this rich community event, as VANOC gave a gift of community participation: large screen TVs were installed for everyone to view Olympic events – permanent gifts to be enjoyed long afterwards. And in a classy move, VANOC offered a block events tickets to those living in Shelters and in managed affordable housing.
Attending an event meant so much to our tenants and guests – one man phoned his Dad and his brother just to tell them about the experience. It was a chance not only to be a part of an important community event, but a wonderful opportunity to build on family relationships, a communication bridge.
Before the Olympics, comments about Vancouver and the Olympics always referred to the people who live in poverty, the homeless. And underlying each comment was an unstated certainty that the poor would end up with less.
The Olympics preparation reality – that aged hotels were upgraded to make them liveable, saving important affordable housing stock. That additional programs were put in place to help those in poverty achieve a more stable life. That new homes are being created that are affordable, and include caring staff.
But the big payoff from the Olympics has been increased self esteem, participation in a community building experience, and lives changed for the better. In all walks of life.
What an awesome time everyone in Vancouver had during the Olympics! There was singing in the streets. Hugs. Things to do for free. Things to do that were not free! Our lives were on-hold during hockey. We all watched curling. We shared our home with the World gladly. We were so jazzed about the Olympics that any naysayers gave up and went home in the face of mass enthusiasm.
Everyone had an opportunity to share in this rich community event, as VANOC gave a gift of community participation: large screen TVs were installed for everyone to view Olympic events – permanent gifts to be enjoyed long afterwards. And in a classy move, VANOC offered a block events tickets to those living in Shelters and in managed affordable housing.
Attending an event meant so much to our tenants and guests – one man phoned his Dad and his brother just to tell them about the experience. It was a chance not only to be a part of an important community event, but a wonderful opportunity to build on family relationships, a communication bridge.
Before the Olympics, comments about Vancouver and the Olympics always referred to the people who live in poverty, the homeless. And underlying each comment was an unstated certainty that the poor would end up with less.
The Olympics preparation reality – that aged hotels were upgraded to make them liveable, saving important affordable housing stock. That additional programs were put in place to help those in poverty achieve a more stable life. That new homes are being created that are affordable, and include caring staff.
But the big payoff from the Olympics has been increased self esteem, participation in a community building experience, and lives changed for the better. In all walks of life.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Slavery
“Worker was stabbed 4 times, tasered and robbed. Took her to a park [detail omitted]… Suspects went to jail, worker was very badly injured.”— taken from a recent, and very real, report.
What if you, or the woman in your life became that victim simply by answering an innocuous help-wanted ad for someone seeking a nanny, or extra summer office help in a resort town? What if it were a child, lured by promises of a wonderful life?
For too many, a promised opportunity has turned into a nightmare of slavery. Confinement, physical abuses of the worst kind, forced addiction, and then, broken, being offered for sale, the final freedoms – sense of self – all but gone.
Modern day slavery is very big business. Women and children are captured and sold, forced to work to pay back their captors for their purchase price – often by working in the sex trade.
It is a life characterized by daily danger and a feeling of hopelessness.
But there is hope… the hope that comes with understanding of victims. The hope that comes as we all rise up against this evil and demand strict punishments. Find out what you can do. Then do it.
What if you, or the woman in your life became that victim simply by answering an innocuous help-wanted ad for someone seeking a nanny, or extra summer office help in a resort town? What if it were a child, lured by promises of a wonderful life?
For too many, a promised opportunity has turned into a nightmare of slavery. Confinement, physical abuses of the worst kind, forced addiction, and then, broken, being offered for sale, the final freedoms – sense of self – all but gone.
Modern day slavery is very big business. Women and children are captured and sold, forced to work to pay back their captors for their purchase price – often by working in the sex trade.
It is a life characterized by daily danger and a feeling of hopelessness.
But there is hope… the hope that comes with understanding of victims. The hope that comes as we all rise up against this evil and demand strict punishments. Find out what you can do. Then do it.
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