The following short video captures the plight of homelessness. The defendant explains how he ended up on the streets, life there and how he has lost the will to change.
The victim suffered from schizophrenia and had difficulty communicating.
Our thanks to CBS, Peacock and YouTube for the video
"Well an old friend who had fallen into drug abuse just served his time.in kamloops corrections.
He has been release this afternoon and been driven downtown and was told good luck.
He has no family here, no money and no possessions. He attempted to get a shelter before being released...remember He didn't know time and date exactly.
He contacted me as he as no clothes or anything to wear. I have contacted 4 homeless shelters with voicemails and no returned call. He has not been able to get into Emerald.
THIS IS THE BREAK IN THE GARBAGE SYSTEM OF CATCH AND RELEASE DRUG ADDICTED CRIMINALS!
He is now homeless, no shelter, no money, or clothes. Surrounded by drug use and the need for money.
CMHA ASK WELLNESS BCHOUSING all need to Step up their game."
Our thanks to Kamloops Citizens for Change for the above post.
Medicine Hat, Alberta which appeared to have resolved the homeless issue has found the success lasted a short while.
Volunteers interview a homeless woman behind the remand centre in Medicine Hat, Alta., on Sept. 26. The city has seen an increase in homelessness since declaring an end to the problem last year. (Bryan Labby/CBC)
"A point-in-time count, held every two years, took place the evening of Sept 26. The unofficial number before dozens of volunteers hit the streets to start the count was 17 'chronically, active homeless,' with another two dozen people considered in and out of homelessness."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/homeless-medicine-hat-point-in-time-count-1.6600717
Kamloops, British Columbia
Kamloops streets unsafe for those living there...on the streets.
4 am morning walkabout. Notre Dame and Columbia I hear someone screaming.
I ignore it as it has become commonplace.
Carrying on, I'm in front of Winners. A man in his late 30's catches up to me thinking I was a resident of the bus depot and had stolen his belongings when he and his partner, coming up behind him, were sleeping at CIBC.
He had a mobility issue and speaking challenges. She was combative.
He realized his error and apologized saying, "Sorry man, I hope I didn't ruin your morning. You don't look like the scumbags who live around here."
I went on my way thinking of the distressed woman, wondering how she may feel society had turned on her and retaliated with anger.
I can see the fellow's point in the video. Even though homelessness is less stressful weather wise in S. California, it remains demeaning, drilling down on your soul daily.
There is a large contingent of homeless teenage girls here and sadly they have chosen this way of life as a last resort.
Many have been sexually abused by family and flee to the streets. This topic is well covered in "Vancouver Secrets".
It is sad and yet frustrating not to be able to help so many people.
”He came in to the cafe one day asking me for some $$. I looked at him and asked him "why don't you have a job, you know nothing is given to me for free right? he said "Well, I have a lot of felonies and no one wants to hire me for that, so now I had to turn myself to the streets and get money the only way I know, Stealing and asking for money.
I was short staff that day. So I asked him " you want to work? I have a job for you! His eyes opened wide and his smile made my day!!!!
He said I'll do anything for some food. So now for almost 2 weeks he been on time for his two hour shift.... helping take trash, washing dishes etc.
Once I pay him guess what he does? He buys food from my restaurant (HE DECIDES TO PAY) because it makes him feel good !
He gets a discount!!!!! Do something nice for someone today and don't judge them just because they out there asking for money for we don't know their situation... some deserve another shot.
God gave me this blessing so why can't I bless others? this is what should break the internet, We want change? Well, start by making one ”
Credit: Cesia Abigal
Our thanks to U.S. Marine, Margaret S. for the moving post.
Photo credit to Unsplash