On Friday, members of London’s Homeless Helpers and those associated with other homelessness outreach organizations in the city took to the streets in hopes of making a change. Recently, the London city council enacted a 5-year plan in support of the homeless, but many community members feel that this is not enough.
Protesters display their signs before the march
Adorned in signs and sandwich boards, protestors made their way throughout the downtown core. They chanted slogans and rhymes indicating that what they need is a ‘right-now’ plan rather than the one council has deemed fit. From Citi Plaza to the city hall, the protestors did not stop for hours.
But that was just something you do for a day. It is an inspirational visual to many who did see, but events are not what sparks change. Change comes from the individuals who make up crowds.
Getting ready for the march pic.twitter.com/j4fyqkx9BO
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Take, for example, Misty Craig. Craig was one of the organizers of the march as well as many more outreach events throughout the year. But sometimes it’s the non-organized interactions that can have the most effect on those who have fallen on rough times. She explains what she believes each and every one of us should be doing on the day-to-day.
“Have empathy. Most importantly, if you see someone with drug addiction, mental health, sleeping rough, there are many reasons why they’re there. So to show empathy to those situations and to show compassion. And if you have something to give, give it. Every little bit we can do helps.”
Others present at the march were demanding that ‘sweeps’ be ended on tent cities that have popped up throughout the city. For those unfamiliar with the expression, a sweep is when city workers or police dismantle or demolish ramshackle dwellings that have been established by those living on the streets. For many, these are the only forms of shelter available to them.
Another man attending the march indicated that he was there to support all homeless, but one group in particular had a special place in his heart; homeless veterans. In 2018’s ‘Everyone Counts‘ report put out by the government of Canada, it was estimated that 4.4% of all homeless individuals in Canada are veterans.
Verberckmoes stands on the steps of city hall
Anthony Verberckmoes of London Common Front also had a message to share. He says that his group looks at employment, community issues, and where these issues can intersect. He thinks that the issue is incredibly nuanced and will require an equally nuanced solution to solve.
“Even without getting into inter-related causes, even on the face of it, homelessness is becoming an ever increasing issue.”
Finally, we got a chance to speak to Jara, a young woman who has been homeless off and on since she was 15. She is currently 19 and has only just been housed for the first time. She says it may sound heartbreaking, but it is an amazing feeling to have a home.
Jara displays her sign in front of Citi Plaza
She says she remembers the freezing cold when all she had to her name was the sweater on her back and the shoes on her feet. She had no ID, no bank card.
“I remember thinking ‘I need food, I need this, I’m banned from the shelter, I have no where to go’. It’s a horrible feeling, it’s like it strips away everything that makes you feel human.”
Despite making it to the point where she is able to have her own safe space, she still is trying to help all of her friends who still live on the streets get to that point as well. But she also says that this is optimism, and many never will be able to get to where she is.
“It becomes a routine, a cycle. Once you’ve been homeless for 5 years, 10 years it becomes normal and comfortable.”
Jara went on to say that there are ways ever single person can make a difference for the better or worse and it involves the way we react to our homeless population as we go about our day.
“If you see a homeless person, please don’t give them dirty looks or stick your nose up or walk by them. A smile can change someones day. By doing this you may have made this person not want to do drugs or not be suicidal for even a moment you could save someones life.”
