›› Chantille Viaud
If you ever want to know what it’s like to be a ghost, become an unhoused person.
This is a paraphrased quote from one of the speakers at a workshop called “Keeping it Human” that I, along other residents of Fernwood, participated in recently. It’s the part of the night that has really stuck with me.
The speaker went on to describe how, when you are living without housing, every part of your life is scrutinized and judged. That you feel you’re not worthy to take up any space. That you don’t deserve a safe place to live.
This is not how I want my neighbours to feel. And it’s not the kind of neighbourhood that most people say they want to live in.
At the workshop I also met some people in our community who are leading an effort to make our neighbourhood more inclusive, and to improve the living conditions of our unhoused neighbours. These folks see the strength in organizing our community to address issues together. The Stadacona Neighbour Support Network talk more about their work here, and I encourage everyone read it.
Whether people are homeowners, renters, living in transition housing, or are seeking shelter in tents in parks—all of these people are part of the rich fabric of this community. And all of these people are our neighbours.
When you are walking around Fernwood and see one of our unhoused neighbours, if you don’t know what else to do, just smile and say hi. While it might feel like it’s not solving the overwhelming problem of finding them housing, at the very least you are helping someone feel humanized. Because no neighbour should feel like they don’t deserve to be seen.
What to learn more or work with your neighbours for more change? Connect with the Stadacona Neighbour Support Network on Facebook or at StadaconaNeighbour@gmail.com, Greater Victoria Acting Together at chet@gvat.ca and The Existence Project at theexistenceproject.ca.
