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 #36

Michael started volunteering at the homeless shelter at the end of May because his friend, Brent helped out here. Michael bought his shoes at National Sports. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “I personally don’t struggle with poverty but from what I’ve seen here at the shelter, I think clothing…

Their Shoes #30

I met Ken as he reached for the chocolate chip croissants at the shelter. Enthralled by his conversation, I forgot to ask where he received his shoes, as in posts #1-29. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “It’s seeing that anyone else who is struggling with poverty is okay. I…

Their Shoes #19

James has been a client and volunteer at the shelter for as long as I’ve volunteered there. I don’t think anyone can wash dishes as quickly as James. He bought his running shoes at Champs Sports store. What is your biggest struggle with poverty on a daily basis? “Definitely, shelter. I don’t have a place…

Shocking Living Quarters

Ingenious. That was my first thought. I should have been shocked but instead I thought, “Wow. That woman is thinking smart!” A homeless woman was reportedly sleeping in a large dog crate at night. A folding crate that she stored by day on top of two shopping carts containing her worldly belongings. The crate provided…

Their Shoes- #2

Kelly wears steel-toed shoes donated to her by the homeless shelter three years ago. “I’m so grateful for them. I wear them everyday.” Tell me about living in poverty. What is your biggest struggle? “The hardest thing has to be trying to make a plan or a schedule. I’m always thinking, “What do I need…

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…

Consolation

An isolated chair in great condition sat in the alley near the homeless shelter. I wonder if any homeless people rest a spell there. Christine, the shelter’s administrator, approved of  my sister’s idea to raise awareness of poverty in Windsor. My sister is a successful writer. It’ll be an every Monday blog feature titled: Their Shoes.…

Crisis Averted Times Two

I paused from serving hot dogs to observe a distraught woman, maybe in her late 30’s.  My dishwasher partner, Chris, spoke to her softly,” Go see Sarah-Lynn. She’ll set you up. Don’t worry.” I gave my buddy a quizzical look. He told me the woman was just kicked out of her apartment by her boyfriend…

Part 1- Stepping out on a Ledge

I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason. A first time visit to Calgary wouldn’t have been complete without a get-together with Jean, who headed out West years ago. My friend planned a whole agenda of touristy things to experience, including the Calgary Tower. As we ascended the high speed elevator, signs appeared…