Stories Such as that of "Sam Mack" are all too common. A gentlemen whom reportedly suffered due to a life circumstance and started to drink and use opiates as was reported in the story as reported by Info News late January 2022.

"Eventually they all die out in the cold," James said. "He died alone in the cold, like so many others have died alone in the cold because the city is doing an abysmal job."

I know "Irish" and have talked on many occasions with Ben James. I did not know Sam Mack but remember having come across him at times in groups we interacted with.
This quote from that story hits home. Having seen first hand the systemic failures. The fact remains this is a complex situation. We have children aging out of foster care with little to know knowledge of how to take care of themselves on their own. Many whom have issues with dependency and addiction. There are times when these youth age out and must leave the foster home before they have a stable place to stay. They are provided limited to no options. Can, and have been, introduced to shelters. This may be an interim status while they are awaiting an opening to get them into housing. But it is a reality. Once into housing they are expected to understand rules and how to follow them. And the consequence if they do not. And this is just not always the case. The consequence can, and certainly has been that they are evicted and have no place to go. Thus we have youth introduced to homelessness. All but "aging out" onto the street. 

The 200+ homeless are known to be less then the true total of the homeless population. And where there are more beds depending on the status of temporary shelters, some of which are only available during times of extreme weather conditions (-10 C or colder) there certainly is a greater demand then there is a supply.

The complexities are again reflected in the story of Sam Mack where it is stated " Mack was known to often avoid shelters, because he was more vulnerable to thefts." And theft is not the only reason why people avoid the shelters. PTSD triggered by what is required to enter or stay in a shelter, and general distrust of "the system" are among other reported deterrence.

It's easy to dismiss the general "distrust of the system" until we take a moment to look at things from the perspective of these people. Not these vagrants, miscreants, addicts, and vagabonds. When we look at it from the perspective of these people, whom are certainly a portion of the most vulnerable of the population. These people whom are possibly the most marginalized persons in our society.

Covid-19 protocols were certainly an eye opener for many of us with disabilities that make it difficult to wear a mask for instance. Those fewer whom are unable are still being discriminated against. And with seemingly no recourse as the system is overwhelmed. I do not mention this as a "woe is me." (And yes I am among those so effected.) I am telling you that society discriminates so quickly. Judges in moments. Rejects entirely the idea that we must look at ourselves as the issue. And then applauds itself for it's civility.

Before I lose you completely please understand that the parallel I am attempting to make is that of an invisible disability becoming as plain as the smile on my face. And the all too plain to see situation of the homeless on our streets whom many in society treat as if they wish they were invisible, or worse... as though they truly are.  

We are all people. We all struggle with things at times. We are all 1 decision away from heading down a wrong road. And life situations are not always (if ever truly) in our control.

So, is it truly strange to think yourself abused, or otherwise mistreated when you are given a set of rules that do not allow you warmth? And if you are able to conduct enough body heat to finally get semi-comfortable someone comes by to "Help" by ripping open your door for a "wellness check" and letting out the little warmth it took you hours to create? I won't get into it all, but understand that this is the nicest I can explain the beginning of the difficulties. And how can one be blamed for a lack of trust when "Anything you say can and will be used against you?"

There are but a few main streams in the system that create a path off the street, and I would not consider them easy to navigate. Adjudication may get you off the street for a time.. but I don't think it is necessarily a safer or in any way better situation.

This blog entry may not do any favors in gaining buy-in for this project.
However, If I am going to go and ask one person to take a good hard look in the mirror and see if the current situation is what they want to be a part of.. Then how can I not take a look myself. And while you are looking at me, turn toward the mirror and be honest with yourself.

Point being, if we are going to tell someone dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, mental health, poverty, etc. that the first thing they have to do is be honest and admit they have a problem. We must look to ourselves, our society, and our system(s.) We must admit there is a problem. We must identify the problem(s.) We must then look again at ourselves and see how we can be part of our own solution.

When we're ready to do that, we are WitYu!