Calgary Police Documentary

[adgal]

I respect and understand that not everyone feels the way I do about the situation with the homeless.  I am posting this link to a documentary done by the Calgary Police for you to view if you choose.  First thing I will tell you is that at the very beginning, it shows people sleeping outside a buidling.  The building is the agency I work for.  The second thing I will tell you is that I know both of the folks featured in this video extremely well.  The first, Rose I have worked with a little bit, but the second, Roy is a longtime client of mine.  He does not drink or use drugs, but is delusional and a long time favorite of mine.  He is a sweetheart.  And I absolutely know that someday he will die on the streets.  I am hoping that if you watch this, then look at it through my eyes...I know these people, and know them well, you might understand a little better why this issue is such an important one.  It exists in every city in every country, and these are people.  Real people who have real problems.  Thanks for watching....

http://metronews.ca/news/calgary/447401/calgary-police-release-educational-video-on-homelessness-to-public/

[adgal]

I'm so glad you saw this.  The main reason I posted it is just because I think it really manages to put the human face to those that are homeless.  If you look at Roy, most assume he is just another addict, not worth the time to even acknowledge.  There are so many like him out there, and serious mental health impacts the majority of these folks.  And there are so many like Rose, whose lives were broken at such a young age.  It was almost like she was born without a real chance.  Yes, she chose to start drinking, but addiction is such a complicated thing....people self medicate for so many reasons.   And I also believe that there but for the Grace of God go I.  I really do.  These are real life human beings, and I'm ok with it when folks dont' feel sympathetic.  But there is never a reason to be cruel, and empathy is always good.  I just find that watching a documentary like this is a very humbling experience.  And a good reminder that people are complex, and things are not always as they appear.  Thanks again for watching.  It means a lot to me that you did.

[MrsPincince]

"You do good work and I admire you enormously for your compassion and commitment to helping people, esp. those huddled dirty masses that most want to pretend do not exist. You go girl."

Ditto:) xo

[specialmom]

Watching the video and hearing your passion makes me even more sure you are one of the coolest and kindest ladies I know!  

I'm sure you so often feel very helpless in your job.  I've been on the end of things watching someone that you care about self destruct, spiral down and it is a horrible feeling.  Just waiting for the inevitable to happen is hard. Takes a good deal of emotional armor to get through it.  

Anyway, you give a different side to the homeless that most don't get to see.  Thanks for that.

[Barb135]

I haven't had time to watch the video, but I will later today.  I totally understand your feelings for the homeless, though.

[adgal]

Thanks so much for watching.  I cannot tell you how much that means to me.  I am so proud of our Police force.  I have been present when they have had to arrest someone for their (or others) own protection.  They truly are gentle and compassionate.

I worry about Roy a lot.  He will not go into shelter.  He truly believes he is a multi millionare and that the shelters are trying to steal his identity.  He is also incredibly smart...amazingly so. And when lucid, could probably convince you he really did own the oilsands.  It's sad though - he is one of our most vulnerable homeless, and he won't allow anyone to truly help him.  We allow him to take snoozes in our doorway and lobby, we give him food and basically do what we can to keep him alive.  He really is a nice man, but he just will not see a Dr. or go on medication.  And unless he threatens one of us, or say's he wants to hurt himself, we just can't make him.  Sometimes I wish he would swing at me or something so I could have him formed.  But he is far to gentle for that.  

Again, I appreciate you watching.  The folks mean something, and in their own different ways have and do contribute.  And they are human and they matter.  

[rivll]

That was a powerful and moving documentary. Very well done. Thank you for sharing that with us. I love those Calgary officers. They are the highest level of humanity that I can imagine.
"There for by the grace of Gd go me." is a saying I take very seriously. I have often imagined for me what it would be-sort of like camping out and traveling but w/o the perks..but I simply cannot imagine sleeping outside in Calgary...however do they survive?
You do good work and I admire you enormously for your compassion and commitment to helping people, esp. those huddled dirty masses that most want to pretend do not exist. You go girl.

[orphanedhawk]

Thanks for the link.
What a difficult job you have, emotionally difficult.

Roy reminded me of a local homeless guy here, Buck. Buck doesn't drink, do drugs, and is well groomed, for being on the streets. He is in his own world, totally delusional, with a sense of humor and harmless.

I guess all of us can use to remember to treat all with kindness.