I know the last few months, the last few years have been difficult. Plus, you can see it on our streets as soon as we step outside. Misfortune on our faces, no filter, no varnish. It is contradictory, disturbing and unsafe.
Today is Homeless Night. In the current climate, this seems more important to me than ever. This is a time to better understand the realities of homelessness, see the work of community organizations, exchange ideas, build bridges. And we really need it.
Obviously, such an event will not solve anything. It will not provide shelter and will not ease the grief experienced. But taking the time to understand reality, travel and experience will help calm the social climate. And we need it too.
Empathy and tolerance
I completely understand the discomfort and fear that many people may feel when encountering homeless people in public places. It's humane. I also understand the frustration and feeling of helplessness in the face of a situation that is visibly deteriorating and giving the impression that nothing is being done.
But when faced with this, how do we choose to act and respond? I propose a difficult path: the path of humanism, empathy, tolerance.
Let's remember the obstacles these people face in meeting their basic needs: sleeping, access to drinking water, food, washing, using the toilet. For example, lack of access to toilets necessarily leads to “impoliteness.” Not by choice, but by lack of choice.
Let's remember that, beyond disturbing behavior or homelessness, these people are people with rights. The answers given should take this into account. How can we provide more dignity and humanity to people experiencing homelessness?
Let's remember that we do not all have the same background, the same opportunities and abilities. Let's think about the camps, this survival strategy adopted by many. True, this may affect the quality of life of local residents. But it is also true that these people often have nowhere to go, no access to toilets or garbage disposal. Let's not forget how different the living conditions are between those who have a stable roof and those who live in difficult conditions. How will we choose to approach this reality individually and collectively?
To understand
Homeless Night is a good starting point for better understanding this phenomenon, its causes and trajectories. And also remember that we are not alone. They are not alone in their outrage, nor are they alone in wanting change and concrete and ambitious action to prevent and reduce homelessness.
Let's direct our misunderstanding and our anger to the right authorities. And let's show more solidarity, more dignity.
Joannie Veilleux
Community organizer of the Montreal Support Network for Singles and Homeless People.
