Courage and devotion is hard to come by, to be faithful and remain at one’s side in good and bad times takes a conviction and special bond that is hard to  appreciate with this age fraught with materialism and needful things. To decide who is more courageous in this scene is hard to debate given that the story is heartfelt, amazing and almost left me lost for words to describe.

Chris, aged 27 is from Saskatchewan and has been in Toronto for 6 years and up until November was gainfully employed as a furniture mover. Being laid off from his job cost him his home, left all that he had behind, except for Cujo who has remained at his side since November out on the open street on Front St. near Bay St. One shelter in the city allows folks on the streets to bring their pet. From where Chris is at the moment, that place might as well be on the moon. He won’t part with Cujo as their bond keeps them together. It’s an amazing thing to think about, when Chris sleeps, Cujo is free to run at will or could fight hard against Chris, yet Cujo remains by his side. Chris would rather sleep in the cold at night than lose his friend, he does this by choice. He is awaiting on what could be a turning point in March when he can take part in a program that will help transition him off the street. One problem, his faithful friend needs be with him, when Chris finds an apartment for about $400 or $500 a month , his hopeful budget. The place has to accept his buddy Cujo. One would say that he has a choice in finding a good home for his companion and concentrate fixing his life first, however most of Chris’ family has passed on, his dog is his family. As you can see from the dog food, he spends his time panning to feed both of them. On his last fight, Chris puts himself into harms way, cold, unsheltered and discomfort in order keep that bond he shares with Cujo intact.

The first shot I took a week before, Chris wasn’t there, however I was determined to find out the story of the owner of this pile. The second shot now tells an amazing story, we will be going back to visit Chris, he was gracious, appreciative and great to talk to. We want to find out how he is making out and if his transition hopes in March come to light. Till then, if you see Chris, bring some treats for the pup and take your gloves off, Cujo is not a fan of gloves.

]]> http://fragilevoice.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/we-go-we-stay-together/feed/ 0 fragilevoice chrisfrontsthouse chrisscujo http://fragilevoice.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/kudos-to-mark-bonokoski-sun-media/ http://fragilevoice.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/kudos-to-mark-bonokoski-sun-media/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:25:17 +0000 fragilevoice http://fragilevoice.wordpress.com/?p=329 ]]> Written By Derek Shanks

While browsing the web, I came across an article written by Mark Bonokoski, of SunMedia Toronto Sun titled ‘The faceless, nameless poor around us.’ In this article he touched on a topic that while the Haiti crisis has bled the hearts of the world and gained the support of many. The merit of the article isn’t limited to the Haitian crisis but it usually takes a disaster or something otherworldly for people to notice. The homeless problem we have in the city, is not a disaster created by nature, not created by any specific prolific event. But rather created from silence, dismissal and avoidance. Take a look at the article, it is a good read, it hits the exact points that A Fragile Voice is hoping to change.

The faceless, nameless poor around us.

Hope you all get there!
Derek

If you wish to participate in the volunteer camp out, please contact

Jamie Cuthbertson
jamie.cuthbertson@rockforhumanity.com
Rock for Humanity – Web Site

Free the Children has chosen February 25, 2010 as its annual awareness day to launch its “One Night Out” campaign and is urging its supporters to put themselves in the shoes of the homeless. In support of Free the Children and local homeless initiatives, Rock For Humanity founders and volunteers across Canada will be camping out for 24 hours to raise awareness and accept donations. In Toronto, the camp-out will start at 8pm on February 24th and end at 8pm on February 25th. After this, a huge wrap up party and benefit concert will take place at the Horseshoe Tavern. Again, all proceeds will go towards Free the Children and local homeless initiatives.

To lay on the street takes a sense of courage, humility and in most cases a great loss of pride that most of us could never fathom, once you have laid on the street long enough the mindset and your esteem will have been broken due to the length of service committed to this daily task. This man lays in wait, with his arm upstretched holding a cup wrapped within a spiritual symbolism in hopes to have those who walk by give anything they can. What I noticed was that he has seemed to give up, no longer actively pursuing the coins but passively hoping the cross will now speak to the good hearts of Toronto as he can no longer face the citizens constant dismissal.

I realize this is my interpretation of the scene, I do notice the difference in hope and hopelessness and I do believe this is a strong indication of dreams abandoned and a fading hope that something may change in the future. Without a voice, without confidence, without hope and without the fire to rebuild, where do you start? The people I have come to meet all have one thing in common, they want to share their stories, they want to be heard, they want to talk. I can’t stress enough how much a handshake, name exchange and sincere acknowledgment changes their demeanour. As soon as someone pays attention, they don’t slump over, they arch upright and start talking a mile a minute. A lot of cases they don’t ask for anything, because you just made them a human being for a moment as they are often doubtful of their place in this world.

Walking along Queen St. at Yonge St. my colleague Erika and I came across Dennis, we stopped to chat for a few moments. Dennis comes from Jamaica and according to him he has many names that he goes by depending on the world he is in at the moment, he believes that he moves between worlds, he also mentioned that he was a neurosurgeon, played a faceoff moment with Gretzky, all the while he remained vigilant on trying to remain in the real by telling us that he has been staying at the Good Shepherd on Queen St. The remarkable thing with Dennis,  once we greeted him he was cordial and wanted to share his story, no matter which world he was on. Despite the fact that he could be losing potential donations from those passing by, he kept talking with a smile and an excited pace.

It is unexpected what my conversations are going to be like with each of the subjects I capture. I am not in a position to challenge the conversation and will keep the dialogue going within their worlds. Each of the captures have seen and experienced moments in their lives that I could never begin to say I could understand fully.

Some of my subjects float between worlds of reality and through the instability of mental illnesses they cross into another dimension. In wanting to understand who they are and where they have been, I have to remain in their world, not challenging the surreal state of the conversation. To them it is real, to us it is fabrication and nonsense. Those who have rational mental capacity often jeer those who have mentally deteriorated issues debating what is real or not. The medical profession is still evolving with mental illnesses and how are we able to determine what is real or not if we don’t live in that persons mind. There are a number of issues here to rehabilitate Dennis.

Homelessness isn’t the only thing that will prevent him from a normal life. He needs guidance and help to combat the mental issues, then permanent shelter, without rehabilitation for his mind how does he gain stable employment to take care of his shelter. His personality doesn’t make him deserve to be locked up. These are real challenges and there aren’t easy solutions.

It’s been well over a decade since I called the streets of Toronto my home. Though I have experienced poverty and homelessness first hand, I was reminded ever so vividly today the harsh and cold realities of street life. On any given intersection in the downtown core, you can clearly see people living outside and struggling to keep warm. Skin and hands look weathered and torn, some don’t even have a proper pair of shoes. As they sit or stand holding out an old coffee cup and multitudes of various people pass by, I remembered how a little spare change could buy something as simple as food and warmth. Every day items are luxuries in this bitter setting. The only window into their humanity is in their eyes.

The people who inhabit our city streets are as different and diverse as a kaleidoscope. Their stories are like old woven pieces of a quilt, each part unique and important. The common thread, their plight, sadly remains the same. It is not until we look into their human eyes and begin a conversation, that we really begin to understand how precious one life truly is. Today I had the pleasure of meeting the infamous Kevin Clarke. I had heard his name in various circles and remember seeing him on the streets before. Kevin is a force to be reckoned with. Despite being homeless, Clarke is running for city mayor. It isn’t the first time he has run and he spoke of being pushed aside by media and not recognized as an official candidate.

Still, he spends his days speaking on the street corner, his food and belongings spread about and of course all of his literature, paperwork and a binder which is appropriately labelled, “Book of Hope.” As Derek and I began speaking with Kevin, his voice was passionate and strong about the politics of homelessness. He proudly showed us the official letterhead from the City of Toronto, which listed his name as a candidate. He had real ideas and viable strategies that would begin to address the dire situation in our city. Clarke’s office is on the corner of Bay & Queen St, just across from Old City Hall. Unlike other politicians who tend to sell us their platform and canvas their neighbourhoods, Kevin’s constituents are other homeless people. As we listened to Kevin share, another woman came by the steaming grate and warmed up her hands. “There’s nothing like the warmth of a good sewer grate!”, they smiled and mused.

After a bit of conversation, we asked if we could take Kevin’s photograph and tell his story. Kevin was nobody’s fool. He very promptly wanted to know why and he was curious as to what our agenda was. On some level he knew that news media was merely a tool that most often was used to pump propaganda and he wanted to make sure our intentions were righteous. He pulled out a plastic container and told us he wanted our two cents worth. Kevin said he accepted pennies as donations as well. Derek placed his two cents in and began to tell him about A Fragile Voice. Kevin seemed agreeable and gave us his permission to be photographed for a small donation. But first he had to put in his two cents and said it would only take him four minutes. Then he would return with his ‘co-star’ and we would have our photo and story.

True to his word, he returned from across the street and from beneath his long wool jacket he brought out a pigeon which he held in his hands. It was then that we were fortunate to hear Kevin’s platform and message. As he held the pigeon he told us and anyone who would take the time to listen, that the hands holding down the pigeons feet were keeping the pigeon from flying. “No one has the right to take away your freedom to fly.” The government and politicians have a tight grip on the helpless and show no mercy to those who need it most. If Kevin Clarke were elected (referring to himself in third person) he would dedicate money to feed the hungry and make sure that those who wanted assistance would receive it. It was then that he raised his arm high up in the air and released the bird to let it fly. Derek and I both agree, that Kevin Clarke is probably the only candidate we would vote for in the next election. If you see Kevin downtown, give a thought to taking the time to speak to him and throw your support behind his campaign. I can’t think of any other mandate that is more important to our great city.

Visit these links to find out more about Kevin Clarke’s history and future plans.

Facebook Group Page
YouTube Video
Wikipedia Entry

Meet Toronto’s 62 year old David, he was perched at the north-west corner of Parliament and Carlton Sreets. Mental health plays a huge factor in a lot of the folks that are residing, panhandling or at street edge seeking assistance. I am writing this story as it occurred because reality is cruel out there. It isn’t meant as humour nor to embarrass him as we had an intelligent conversation amidst the sidetrack. I am debating within as to whether mental stability was a factor, hard to determine in ten minutes.

David, apparently came over from England with the British Royal Navy to serve as a Royal. He converted to the Royal Canadian Air Force on arrival, his mom is the Queen of England, his father is God, he lost his leg in punishment for the 850 Million souls that he hurt in the Cold War. He said this with such conviction and belief that I was saddened that our rational beginning conversation deteriorated into this world he lives in. Reality came back briefly, he grew up in Willowdale, has two brothers in Ontario, one of them living in Oshawa. He lives in a retirement home that provides three square meals and a snack daily for him. He has been panhandling the streets for 28 years.

He has his facts, he knows his name, he knows where he lives, I believe the military was involved in his life in some capacity. I am not sure if mental health is a contributing factor or if he is sensationalizing a story to hide the real truth behind his ruggedly lined face. I told him the story about the project we are creating, he agreed to be photographed and I mentioned that I would tell his story in which he replied “The RCAF may not agree with my version of the story, but it did happen.” Which left me unsure as to whether mental health had a role in his story here. Either way he has a story, something claimed his leg, something has made him pan for 28 years. I know where he lives, I am intrigued by David and I want to know so much more about him. I am hoping more visits will gain trust and more of his story.

Yorkville has set a standard in dividing the classes with the high end shops, boutiques and restaurants that make up the area. Walking on the north side of Bloor St. heading west I ran into Glen and Bandit. Glen was just settling in for a six hour shift on the northwest corner of Bay St. and Bloor St. That is is his spot, I have seen him and Bandit on many occasions, didn’t know their names, I do now and it changes how I view the two of them.

Glen is in need of surgery on his wrist, an injury incurred during a scuffle with the police a few years back, he has been on and off the streets since 1991, has had a chance to see more of Canada than I have. His travels have taken him to Lake Louise, Jasper and a few other places. He is hoping to head back to school to gain accredation for his experience in the food industry, he knows how to cook, has worked many restaurants but doesn’t have the backing papers to prove his culinary experience.

After explaining what I was doing, he agreed to have his photo captured, even gave me a knockout idea that I will go back to consult with him on how to go about it. I can’t say just yet, it’s a good idea and I hope A Fragile Voice can pull it off.

Indigent: lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty; needy; poor; impoverished.
Potter’s Field: a piece of ground reserved as a burial place for strangers and the friendless poor.

We begin in similar ways, we all end, our last breath will vary in tragedy, yet its how we live our lives in between these times that really sets us apart from one another. Homelessness and poverty is not a new problem, it has modernized and evolved as the city of Toronto continued to flourish from its roots as the Old City of York. In 1826 at the north-west corner of Yonge St. and Bloor St. there was a required need for a graveyard named the York General Burying Ground, better known as Potter’s Field and the Strangers Burying Ground. The cemetery interred the indigent of the city of York and became a home to more than 6,000 souls.

The cemetery was closed down in 1855 and most of the remains were moved to what is now the Toronto Necropolis Cemetery in Cabbagetown at Parliament and Winchester Streets. 364 unidentified remains were moved to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Yonge St. North of St. Clair. The remains of some souls still reside at the original Yonge and Bloor location as they weren’t able to remove everyone. This is almost 200 year old history, and the citizens of modern Toronto seem surprised to see the poor, impoverished and the completely out of luck souls that clog our street corners. Our population has grown dramatically since 1826, thus increasing the numbers of the so called friendless poor.

What happens to the modern day indigent souls when they pass? There are two cemeteries that take the homeless, anonymous and unclaimed. Beechwood Cemetery in Vaughan and Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Thornhill. If the body is unclaimed for a specified time after officials have tried to locate next of kin, the city of Toronto will cover the costs of a barely dignified parting. The remains are then sent to either one of these cemeteries, Catholic’s goes to Holy Cross and the remaining are interred in Beechwood. They are buried among the paid plots, without a marker, symbol or identity.

North-west Corner Yonge and Bloor Streets. Site of the Original Potter’s Field

The Plaque commemorating the Potter’s Field History, erected on the buildings column.

The rock and plaque commemorate the final resting place of Potter’s Field original inhabitants.

The funerary and crematorium grounds of the Toronto Necropolis Cemetery

Sources : Toronto Star :November 4th 01 – Steve Russell -Final Dignity of Joey O’Hare
Sources: City of Toronto, Arts and Heritage – John Howard’s Documentary

While capturing a shot of the Toronto Homeless Memorial, I had a guy calling over to me asking for me to take his picture, actually adamant that I took his picture. Awesome personality, he opened the conversation and it was easy to introduce myself. His name is George, I asked him where he was from and taken aback as he is from Manitoulin Island as well as his friends, just like another guy I met on Christmas Day. I joked with him ‘What is it with running into you guys from Manitoulin Island? You’re all over Toronto’ We were walking over to the benches where a congregation of three other guys sitting around accompanied with an alcoholic bar of several large bottles of high alcohol beer and wine. I started going left to right still joking about the Manitoulin connection, I already met George, then introduced myself to Paul and the next guy was bent out of reality a bit, when I asked his name ‘I forget’ he said, I get to the last guy, a huge smile came over me, as well as him.

‘MIKE’ I said excitedly, it was Mike, my Manitoulin connection on Christmas Day, the reason for my ribbing about where they were from. Here I am with him again, this being my third time meeting him since Christmas . He was actually really happy to see me, gave me a whole bunch of handshakes, smiles and laughter. In a city of millions, it is a small world on the streets for me to run into Mike again. Now that I have seen him this many times, something happening to him would have an effect on me at this point. He has smiled each time we have met that is a connection for both of us.

I am not advocating public drunkenness or alcohol dependency, I want you to work with me here. Close your eyes, think of everyone in your life. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, wives, children, friends, think of the things you own, think of your job, think of your possessions and all that you have worked for day in and day out. Imagine all of that ‘Gone’, imagine your life tomorrow without any of these things that you appreciate today. How would you handle tomorrow? You’re there on the streets, how would you get through the next day, the day after, months, now think in years? I can’t speak for all, I am pretty sure some would alter their perception of addictive dependencies under these circumstances. For someone to change they need an absolute benefit to stop, an advantage, a source of motivation. Do you think tomorrow is motivating for a few of these guys?

Alcohol has a warming effect, it also intoxicates, if consumed enough it can erase today, knock you out so to speak. Here I am in a church courtyard with four men who are drinking, every one of them appreciated my presence and made me feel welcomed. On my departure, George said ‘God bless you and the other guys name is Frank’ , they can’t go to the bar like the rest of Toronto can, no one would let them. The back benches of Toronto’s infamous shopping mall is their own private club.

From left to right, George, Paul, Frank, Mike (note: Mikes smile)