A Man on a Mission- Part 2

Application for a former bowling alley to be used as a licensed producer of medical marijuana. Application to build townhouses. The stack of hand-outs for the meeting stood over 2” high. I wondered what time city council meetings ended. Judging by the agenda, it looked like matters could go on forever. This was my first-ever…

Their Shoes #42

Becky bought her shoes at the Red Apple discount store on Ouellette Avenue. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Two things. Two big things. Food and addictions. I drink a lot most days so my money goes towards alcohol and cigarettes. And, then, for convenience, I tend to buy take-out…

Their Shoes #41

James obtained his shoes from the Red Apple discount store downtown. His girlfriend was “after him” for months to buy a new pair of shoes. The laces were still fine but the soles were “no good”. With a laugh, he tells me he had “holes in my soles!” What is your biggest struggle with poverty…

Their Shoes #37

Carl received his shoes from his cousin, Justin. “The shoes are a size 10. I’m a size 13. And they’re women’s shoes. But, I’m not complaining.” What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Shelter. I’ve been living on the street for three days now. I was staying with my sister but…

Their Shoes #35

“Michael” asked that his real name not be used. He obtained his shoes from the local detox centre. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Clothing! I’ve lost all my good clothes. I only have a few articles which are decent. I lost them over time when I was homeless. When…

Their Shoes #21

For about three months, Jeff worked as the manager of the shelter on the week-ends. Cooking for up to 200 people a day, washing dishes and serving food. A very large commitment! Jeff received his shoes from the shelter. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “I’m in a good place…

Their Shoes #17

Jackie’s wearing slippers in the winter despite owning a pair of boots. She twisted her ankle and the slippers are the only footwear that’s comfortable right now. She bought them at Wal-Mart for $14.97. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Accepting seeing some of the poor people here at the…

Their Shoes #14

Brent bought his shoes in Grand Bend last year. He remembers because he brought his newly acquired puppy, Sirus, a merle Great Dane, along for the trip. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Well, I’ve never been homeless or struggled with poverty myself. I have amazing family. But, I’ve seen…

Their Shoes- #1

Sarah-Lynn’s shoes and clothing were donated by the shelter. Tell me about living in poverty. “One of the hardest things about living in poverty was learning to accept getting by without enough money on a daily basis. Dealing with bill collectors. Having to borrow from friends and then losing those friends in the process was…