Tags
Alberta, Bonus Post, Calgary, caring, community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, discrimination, Druh Farrell, Homelessness, integrity, kindness, Olympic Plaza, rant, Stephen Avenue Mall, world issues
You know…I’m pretty easy-going most days. And I’m kind of proud of the fact that as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to keep my temper in check. But lately, there is one situation that’s just making me angrier by the minute. And today when I read about downtown seeming more dangerous, I lost my shit! But I’ll get to that in a minute.
I love Calgary. Most Calgarians are top shelf. This city does a lot of things right. In fact, several weeks ago, the Beltline Community Association held a public event at a park on 11th Street SW just off 17th Ave. They had some ideas on how to rebuild this park and wanted to know what the community thought. Brilliant – I love when Calgary does that!
They had several tables set up with different themes like creating a sports park, or more of a social park, or something that could change with the seasons; an ice rink in the winter, water park for the summer, etc.
I was making the rounds and one table showed a photo with a fire pit. I overheard a well-meaning lady tell the volunteer who was manning the table that she really liked the fire pit but it wouldn’t work; it would attract homeless people.
OK. LET ME BACK UP A BIT. Some of my new readers may not know that I’m somewhat of a champion for the underdog. And for over 20 years I worked at an organization that helped homeless people rise above their circumstances and achieve independence. I just couldn’t let that comment pass.
And so I asked her, “Shouldn’t homeless people have the right to relax and enjoy the beauty of a public park?” She quickly said “I didn’t mean that. It’s just that some people are drunk and belligerent.” “Oh, so it’s more a matter of drunk people behaving badly coming to the park? You are saying that people should be respectful of others in the park? And it’s not about economic status then?” “Yes,” she said. “Oh good, then I agree. People should indeed be respectful of others.”
Then a couple of days ago, my friend Helga and I met downtown at Olympic Plaza. It was a gorgeous sunny day and OP is located at the end of Steven Avenue Mall – a cobble-stoned street that is lined with a bunch of restaurants and retail businesses. After enjoying a nice long chat with a senior we had met, we decided to walk Stephen Avenue.
That’s when Helga showed me the new benches. These benches tilt forward and unless your feet are firmly planted on the ground, you will slide off. They are uncomfortable. They face the buildings instead of the street. They do nothing to make the core more vibrant or inviting. And I know in my heart they are designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them. They piss me off!
So I took to twitter. Hey
#yyc what’s with the uncomfortable slanted benches facing buildings?
Their response to me was something like: We are testing out these benches to see if it cuts down on bad behaviours blah blah blah. They’re only meant to be sat on for 20 minutes.
Figures. Keep out the Riff Raff. Bully the marginalized. I get it. I calmed down and let it go…
…that is until I read today’s Metro news.
After years of declining crime rates and improving perceptions of safety, downtown Calgary now appears to be getting more dangerous, according to a core-area city councillor.
Coun. Druh Farrell said Wednesday she’s noticed a “marked” change as of late and has become concerned for her own safety at some downtown LRT stations after regular business hours.
“I don’t feel comfortable taking the train, even at 6 o’clock,” she said. For the rest of the article click here.
It goes on to say that in the latest survey conducted in 2013 people feel safer downtown than they did in 2011. In spite of the fact that 96% of people feel safe riding the LRT during business hours and 72% feel safe after business hours, Farrell has noticed it’s getting worse. “Lots of Listerine is being consumed. It’s quite a state outside City Hall.”
She doesn’t come right out and say that ‘quite a state’ means ‘homeless people’ but it’s implied and she feels something needs to be done. She’s talked to police and bylaw and social agencies and no one is sure why there’s an increase.
Maybe because there isn’t one? You know like the survey says… you know like the crime stats say… (Palm Slap on my forehead)
If people aren’t nervous about being downtown these days, maybe Ms. Farrell’s fear mongering based on her own personal observations (that are obviously more reliable than actual stats and surveys) will change that perception.
Listen, I agree with one thing, this city does have an issue with homelessness. We all know people live on the streets. But uncomfortable benches and locking up public bathrooms and covering vents that push out warm air in the winter with stupid art so homeless people don’t sleep there is not going to fix it.
Why don’t you employ different tactics? Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is? Why don’t you make a personal donation to an organization that is trying to give homeless people their dignity back? Why don’t you have an actual conversation with a homeless person? You might find out that they have a story, or they didn’t set out to have an addiction, or that they’re actually human beings.
In a city where there is great outrage when pets are treated inhumanely and investigations are launched to look into these situations so people can be held accountable for their actions, shouldn’t we have at least a portion of that compassion for fellow HUMAN BEINGS???
Yes downtown does seem more dangerous lately, but not for the reasons stated by Farrell. The real threat is ignorance and an absence of kindness, respect, common decency and a sense of duty to our neighbours whether they have a home or not!
earthriderjudyberman said:
Good for you for speaking up for those who do not have a voice – or, at least, not with those who are powerfully connected. When I lived in Syracuse, I was a reporter and visited several homeless shelter and food outlets. No one who has a choice would live in a warehouse filled with 70 or more men who have to leave the warmth of the shelter and go out on the streets during the bitter winter months. Keep up the good fight.
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dianasschwenk said:
We have a shelter in Calgary that holds 1000 people. I can’t even imagine how vulnerable I would feel in that circumstance. Many homeless people choose to sleep rough (outside) instead.
Thanks for checking out my blog Judy. I look forward to reading more about, and from you on your blog in the coming weeks and months!
Diana xo
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When in New Places said:
I am so, so surprised and disheartened about all of this but especially the benches. Good lord, Calgary has always seemed to be more about keeping the homeless out of plain sight rather than working towards solutions that will genuinely help them. This all sounds like more of the same, how disappointing! Keep up the good fight, Diana!
~ Andrea ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Andrea! To be fair lots of good things have happened in Calgary over the last 20+ years to help homeless people rise above their circumstances and take back their lives.
This has been done mostly through agencies and the wonderful volunteers and donors who support them. There has also been funding from all three levels of government for mostly capital projects.
It’s just that when a public figure propagates more fear than actually exists, instead of actually having a conversation with a homeless person and looking for ways that help the situation rather than always looking at punitive solutions such as uncomfortable benches, locking up public washrooms, ticketing homeless people for loitering (should they just go home?) and so on, it riles me. 🙂
Homelessness is not a crime, letting people continue to live in sub-society standards should be.
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Wow, Diana! You are really onto this cause and I admire you so much.
In Australia statistically we have less of an issue with homelessness than Canada yet we still have an issue. Recently our government handed down a budget that includes bringing in a six month wait before people can access benefits (if they do not have a job). This will include young people who are simply between jobs in this poor economic climate; or disadvantaged people. There has been an outcry that this may increase homelessness. I think it shameful that governments rely on charities to provide a basic buffer for people.
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dianasschwenk said:
I think it’s shameful too Elizabeth. Wow 6 months. Just wow.
Diana xo
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Hi, Diana. Thoughtful post, and so very you!
I hate the sound of those benches. 😦 What happened to compassion? Why is it getting harder and harder to close the gap between the haves and the have nots? I realize there are caring citizens like yourself out there, but they seem few and far between.
I also realize I don’t miss living in a city at all. It’s hard to find fault with a place where you can leave your keys in the car and the doors unlocked in the house. The price of “progress” has its drawbacks.
Jennifer x
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dianasschwenk said:
It sure does! You reminded me of the following quote Jennifer!
“Progress might have been alright once, but it has gone on too long. ”
— Ogden Nash ❤
Diana xon
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joannerambling said:
The danger has always been there but yeah it does seem more dangerous nowadays although in my part of the world we sit with the front and back doors open half the night, during the summer months Tim will go asleep watching telly with the front door wide open and I have been known to go out and not lock the house.
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dianasschwenk said:
ahh I lived in a small community when I first moved out west – a village of 300 people or so including dogs and goats and we didn’t lock our doors. It wasn’t uncommon for me to find a neighbor in my kitchen making coffee when I woke up and came downstairs! 🙂
Diana xo
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Katie said:
Thank you!
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Katie!
Diana xo
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Jean said:
I wasn’t aware of the 20 min. benches.
Vancouver and Toronto do have homeless people and they are not necessarily in certain areas downtown. I don’t know all the issues.
As for perceived “danger”: most of it is perception and where one walks. As for the LRT, it’s the free section of LRT downtown….this unlike Vancouver and Toronto where you must pay across their whole systems.
In fact, it is perceived that Vancouver is warmer than Calgary, because winters are much more milder, very little snow, attracts more people who are “homeless”.
I actually worry far less about the homeless vs. someone partying hard and simply drunk. And whenever I see homeless on bikes…honest, I feel happier for them….I honestly believe increased independent mobility and exercise helps anyone.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Exercise is great Jean. You know, you got me thinking about the LRT and you know where I’ve been the most nervous? In the NE!
Diana xo
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Jean said:
Well, I guess about the NE but I really don’t know. I think it’s perception. I lived and had my own home in a “rougher” area of Toronto’s suburban area (edge of Scarborough) for 14 yrs. In my blunt opinion, it’s because there were more lower income non-whites living in that area. Drugs are all over the place in a big city.
For Calgary, the NE, NW for me…I see it from the perspective of a cyclist..I’m down in the park areas and pathways and moving along on a bike so am actually insulated from a lot of stuff. I do shop in the NE…I get there by bike : there are paved bike paths that take one along the back end of the all the big box stores, malls in the Marlborough area…it’s wonderful and convenient.
I actually feel safer as a cyclist in any big city where I’ve lived and especially when I am in more quieter areas..on bike I’m moving along. In Vancouver I used to pass by daily as part of a work commute on bike, a corner where a ton of homeless people and drug addicts hung out..these areas are right by historic Chinatown. I never felt threatened.
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dianasschwenk said:
I think you are absolutely right about perception Jean!
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Val Boyko said:
Awesome post Diana! I feel your passion and compassion.
May this ignite some folks to look at themselves and what is most important in life.
You have a wonderful way with words to rouse and arouse people 🙂
Thank you for being my hero today!
Val x
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Val for your kind words. ❤
Diana xo
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Kristi said:
This girl is on fire……you are Diana ..and so rightly. 20 min benches are ridiculous …I agree more kindness and respect.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Kristi – I have missed you, it’s so good to see you again!
Diana xo
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Family to the 5 Power! said:
Hi Diana,
You probably already know of his blogging on behalf of the homeless, but just in case, here is Dennis Cardiff’s page: http://dcardiff.wordpress.com/
You have a huge heart for the homeless and I thank God for people like you who have a regular opportunity to be a “champion for the underdog”.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much for your kind comment and the link to Dennis’ blog!
Diana xo
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Eric Alagan said:
Good one – Diana.
As I heard say, it’s how well we treat the lowliest among us that says much about ourselves.
Peace,
Eric
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dianasschwenk said:
yes I believe the quote is: “The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members.”
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Don said:
Wow! Diana, we need you down here in South Africa.Well said. I deeply admire your compassion and sense of Justice. Having done what you’ve done I’m sure you have a perspective that not many have. That’s a real gift.
Just help me and excuse my ignorance, what’s a fire pit? Here it would be a deep hole with burning rubbish, a kind of Gehenna. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
oh not here, more like a well-contained camp fire where people gather to sing and talk.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=fire+pit&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=FQabU5fWEYy7oQS6tYGYDw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=600
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bulldog said:
This is a subject that really gets me a tad pissed off… it is normally the wealthy that fear the homeless, why? ’cause they have their noses stuck so high up in the air they cannot see the solution… if more taxes were directed towards the cause of the unemployed and homeless there would be less people sleeping on park benches, but rather in shelters provided… it seems a sad world where governments spend millions on entertaining other heads of state to banquets etc yet look away to the plight of their own people… sure these people probably can’t change the vote but hell they do need the sympathy of those that can do something about it… what happened to the cities supplying benches so that the aged can sit when tired? Must they now build legs muscles that will keep them from being tossed off the bench?
I commented on another blog today that the world governments seem to be loosing the plot like the African single party states, where these governments are in it for themselves and not for the people… all of the first world countries seem to be heading down the same lane where their concerns are for themselves and not the people of the country… it is a sad state when people of education, who through circumstances beyond there control, find themselves in a state of homelessness are now treated like scum to be avoided, discarded, ridiculed, and even chased from cities where they at least can scrounge a crumb or two to sustain themselves… are we heading towards the same fact as stray dogs? To round these people up, place them in cages and if not adopted in a certain time period put them to sleep? I wonder if some governments wish that they could do this…
I wonder how many millions get squandered yearly by governments, that could probably house and feed all of the unfortunates…
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dianasschwenk said:
Bulldog, thank you for your thoughtful and heart felt comment. I can tell this is something you’ve thought about before and is very important to you.
We may never be able to change the view of government or others who discriminate against the homeless, but we can certainly each do what we can to make a difference as individuals. Maybe if someone see you or I speaking with a homeless individual, they’ll have the courage to do so as well…right?
Diana xo
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Louise Gallagher said:
I love you. You’re my hero.
I find the ‘not safe on our streets’ argument fascinating. — of all Calgarians with addictions, 4% are living in homelessness. For some reason, we equate homelessness = criminal/addict — and the cause of our feeling fearful on our streets. Hmm…. I wonder… If only 4% of those living with addictions are homeless, what do we really fear?
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dianasschwenk said:
We fear those who are not like us and I love you too!
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Wyrd Smythe said:
This seems to be another case of a larger problem where the obscenely wealthy create a greater and greater gap between them and the rest of us and more and more lose any sense of social responsibility. It’s exactly the attitude Charles Dickens attributed to Scrooge. It’s a long bit; I hope you’ll forgive me for quoting it;
“I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.”
“Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.”
“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides—excuse me—I don’t know that.”
“But you might know it,” observed the gentleman.
“It’s not my business,” Scrooge returned. “It’s enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people’s. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!”
The super power I most often wish for is the ability to have someone experience one of those life-changing “Twilight Zone” moments, or to be able to summon and send Marley’s Ghost to the Scrooges of the world.
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) You have a good heart Smitty – thank you for weighing in and sharing this quote.
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
You are a champion for the right cause, Diana. Your councilor Druh is dangerous, spouting her own personal beliefs against the majority who feel your downtown is safe. Homeless people need more jobs, health care, counseling, housing, compassion, not rhetoric, slanting benches, Ruby slippers and wishes that they go away.
Have you checked out my friend Jim McKeever’s blog Irish Investigations? He has blogged about periodically about a homeless man in Syracuse. Jim and I shared a cubicle at the daily newspaper some years ago.
http://irishinvestigations.wordpress.com
Thanks for sharing your Calgary passion, Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Hey thanks for your encouraging words Mark I will check out your friend’s blog right now!
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Hi Diana … thank you (and Mark!) for finding me. And now I have found your blog. We need more folks like you out there who are challenging discriminatory, mean-spirited views. Each one, reach one — and then it spreads. Keep up the good work, and I’ll be following along. Jim
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for visiting me over here Jim and for your kind and encouraging words. I look forward to hearing more from you at your blog as well.
Diana xo
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