Homelessness

Dear Jessica Brennan,
I have been at the National Conference on Ending Homelessness this week. Very heavy stuff. I can’t write about it all because it is so much, but my biggest personal takeaway, among all the professional takeaways is, there are a lot of people, primarily women working thanklessly on the front lines every day in this country advocating on behalf of and caring for those people who are experiencing homelessness in Canada, a country that ranks in the top-twenty richest countries in the world.

My simple mind feels like we can solve this problem, even after hearing about all the complex issues and horrific stories. While of course I know this isn’t going to be easy, one thing that is clear is that it all starts with removing the stigma, resisting the urge to look away, the decision to ignore people and to instead accept the fact that all people are entitled to the same good life as anyone reading this post, and seeing the human being whose birthright of a healthy and vital life is as valid as our own.

To educate ourselves on the need, we have to meet people from at-risk communities and really hear the success stories that prove that when adequate services are provided to wrap arms around the most vulnerable among us, miracles can happen. I know this because I met some miracles this week. I met people who lived on the street and now have a voice at the table. People who not only survived the residential school crisis but also are change-agents. I met people who suffered from mental illness and won Olympic medals because of the support of a community.

Talk doesn’t make change, action does, but it all begins with each of us being willing to hear and understand the issues of homelessness and to care about our neighbours living in shelters and on the streets.

Love Mum
xo