Everyone deserves a second chance. I met Dave a few months back when he was panhandling outside the Forever21 store on St. Catherines. It was a cold night, and he was in his usual stance: head bent, staring at the ground, rocking back and forth with his hands stretched out, and with Diamond wrapped up in a sweater-turned blanket by his feet. After an initial moment of baseless hesitation, I mustered up the courage to finally go speak to him and find out more about his past, and what had led him to be on that corner on that fateful night. Ive always wondered how people can fall through the cracks. The path is never clear-cut. Every survivor has a story, riddled with difficult crossroads, burdening decisions, and humbling realizations. Throughout this journey, Ive been fortunate enough to meet and collaborate with a team of talented youth from Portraits de/of Montréal as well as my friends Anna and Lee in order to get Dave off the streets. It hasnt been easy (anything but!), but Im happy to report that on October 12th we managed to get Dave moved into a newly-renovated apartment in LaSalle! Hes officially off his methadone too, and a recent medical check-up revealed that hes ready to get back on his own two feet and start working again. Homelessness is a social phenomenon, and there is no cookie-cutter solution to be had. But that doesnt mean we stop trying. A lot of good can come when you bring a group of motivated people together. Daves journey wont stop here, and neither does our mission to get more people off the streets. Weve launched a crowdfunding campaign to support Dave in the months to come as he fights his way back to making a full recovery. Every contribution counts, so dont be shy. Check out the campaign page for more about Daves story and how you can help. Theres nothing more selfish than giving back. Do it- itll make you feel really good inside, I promise. igg.me/at/daviddiamond/x/8408287
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 03:42:19 +0000