Dear Diane,
The sun has finally come out here in Vancouver. After several straight weeks of rain it’s lovely to see the puddles begin to dry up. Usually the rain is not too heavy, but the other day I was caught in a downpour while waiting for the bus. I was lucky though, because I didn’t have to wait very long before my bus came and took me home. Still, it did give me a chance to think about what I would do if I had no home to go to.
What do you think, Diane? Where would you go to get out of the rain if you had no roof to keep you dry? Would you wait in a bus shelter or stand under an awning? Maybe you’d head into a shop and hope they let you stay until the storm passed. I don’t know what I would do, and I’m glad I’ve never had that problem. The rain might be a minor inconvenience for you and me, but for people who have no home, it’s a serious disruption.
We all have some very basic needs, and shelter is one of them. When we have our basic needs satisfied, it can be easy to forget about those who don’t. Housing is an essential human need, and it is a human right. No one should be left out in the rain. Don’t you agree? So the next time you’re standing at your window, sipping tea on a rainy evening, maybe you should take a minute to think of those who don’t have the same good fortune.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Condon and the Homelessness is Over! Team
Here are some of the messages we sent to Diane
My 7 year old daughter saves money from her allowance each week to give to people who are homeless. Her $1.00 a week savings show compassion – but this is not an individual problem but a social and political one. We need our governments to show political leadership by ensuring safe, accessible and affordable housing for all Canadians.
No time like yesterday.
This is every person’s right. If there is enough money for everyone to benefit from the Olympics then there is enough to house people.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
