A Prayer for those "Living Rough"

                                                     Trinity Bellwoods Park today

I invite you to say a prayer for the wellbeing of those who have been "living rough" in Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto. City police are at the park this morning with eviction notices for a group of people who are living in tents and makeshift structures. We would call them homeless, but they see the park as home, with neighbours and a sense of belonging, however temporary.

There are hundreds of people in Canada's largest city who choose not to enter the shelter system for a variety of reasons. The proximity to others which can lead to disputes and violence, concerns about infectious illnesses, regimentation, are deterrents to many. For some with mental health challenges and addictions the prospect of being in a shelter is intolerable. And as advocates for the unhoused regularly point out, the claims that there are enough shelter spaces for everyone who needs one doesn't always jibe with the day-to-day reality.of availability. 

These evictions may be necessary because of issues such as safety -- there have been a number of fatal fires in encampments -- and hygiene. It is not unreasonable for those who have homes in the immediate area to want to feel safe, although I've heard no reports of negative incidents in the vicinity.  Just the same, they are "lose lose" situations. The police have been heavy-handed at times when it comes to clearing camps, but they will always seem heartless in this role. This always feels like control rather than justice. The encampments aren't a long-term solution, so ensuring that the services necessary for those who reside in them, and the provision of safe and affordable housing must be high priorities. 

I know that faith-based ministries have been involved with those who live on the margins in Toronto, including those living rough. These folk are people with names and who deserve to experience the love of God through the compassion of others.

Wherever we live we need to be aware of who is doing this necessary work, whether it is providing food or housing or advocacy. May the Christ who directed us to see him in the homeless and hungry be with those who struggle for dignity and those who walk with them. 

An update: Yesterday there was what seems to have been an excessive display of force in Trinity Bellwoods with more than 100 police officers and security guards arriving for the eviction. This for about two dozen residents of the encampment. A journalist had camera equipment confiscated, an intimidation tactic. The city did promise to find permanent housing for those who were forced to leave and nearly all departed peacefully.