The Man on Guy Street
Bruised head and crimson scars
Forgotten by the crowd
Dried lips and desperate voice
A parched throat
Bitter wind and cruel cold
His crushing beam
A cry for help, the call of the poor:
“I’m hungry!
I’m hungry!
I’m hungry!”
A hand extended, food is given
Alas! no balm for the scars
No cover from the cold
Bruises left uncared for
on the head with the crown of thorns.
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In the past few months, we’ve heard of several tragic deaths of people who were leaving in a situation of homelessness who died in the cold. Though the issue lies at an institutional level and the roots go deep, here are a few ideas of things we can carry to help whom we can:
- An extra pair of gloves to give (even the not-too-expensive Dollorama kind counts!)
- A tuque or big socks to give (always useful!)
- Tim Hortons or McDonald’s gift card (who wouldn’t want coffee in this cold? ☺ )
- Hotshots / Hot pads
- Don’t wake up someone who is sleeping, but if you notice someone has blue lips, don’t ignore them: you can call the ambulance and follow their instructions!
And as always, don’t put yourself in a situation that would make you feel unsafe. ☺
Ideas come from Annie Archambault, worker at the CACTUS community organization, @surleborddelaligne
By Katya Jutras
