Reflections on Community, Struggles, and Solutions: A Gathering of Hearts and Minds
From March to August 2024, a series of five beading workshops, funded by Canadian Heritage, unfolded across Alberta, spanning communities in Lethbridge, Calgary, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie. These workshops, grounded in healing practices, engaged individuals from low-income backgrounds who have been affected by homelessness. Through the medium of beading, participants found a safe environment conducive to learning and connection.
Over the weekend of October 4th to 6th, the teams from these five different communities came together at Medicine Hat Lodge for a meaningful gathering, where they shared their experiences from the beading sessions. It was a beautiful moment of connection, laughter, and lightness amid heavy conversations about homelessness, substance abuse, psychosis, and gender-based violence. These topics are not easy to digest, but they are essential to address.
"As someone involved with both the Lethbridge and Calgary groups, I felt a profound connection to the project and the communities we serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and learn about the struggles many community members face. While Indigenous peoples are often the most affected, we cannot overlook the challenges that newcomers also encounter on the streets. It's important to recognize that having a job doesn't always translate to having the resources to secure stable housing. The realities of inflation and recession exacerbate these issues, making it critical for us to engage in conversations about homelessness—a crisis that affects us all." — Nexi Alarcon
Solutions can be straightforward, such as providing access to bus passes for people to attend detox programs or medical appointments. We don't need to reinvent the wheel; the community already knows what would work best for them. Yet, decision-makers often fail to consult with those most impacted, preferring to avoid uncomfortable truths while the sustainable and practical solutions lay untapped.
Edward Li shared his experience from the Intersections of Identity gathering, highlighting how the stories collected across Alberta connect us to our communities. His participation in beading circles in Edmonton and Wetaskiwin allowed him to witness firsthand the stories of vulnerable individuals. This project created a space for learning, sharing meals, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Edward emphasized that government and social service agencies often approach the needs of the houseless without the necessary compassion and humanity. The interconnected struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness require collaborative and empathetic solutions. It is essential to meet individuals where they are, empowering them to advocate for themselves. He hopes the stories collected will change how society perceives homelessness, reminding us that every individual deserves to live with dignity.
Yaw recounted the joy of gathering with like-minded individuals at the October 5th event in Medicine Hat. His five-hour road trip from Edmonton, filled with conversations and wisdom, set the tone for a day of deep discussions about the realities faced by unhoused people in different communities. Yaw noted the importance of listening, creating a safe space for sharing stories, and respecting diverse perspectives.
The team reflected on the normalization of violence against women and Two-Spirit individuals, shedding light on how fear can silence victims and deter them from seeking help. The systemic issues within law enforcement and community dynamics further complicate these challenges, making it crucial for us to engage in conversations that promote understanding and healing.
As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the depth of the issues discussed and commit to being advocates for change. We must continue to listen to the voices of those affected, support grassroots initiatives, and ensure that solutions are rooted in the experiences of the community.
In closing, this gathering was not just a meeting; it was a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift one another and address the challenges that plague our communities. We look forward to the upcoming youth sessions and the final presentation in 2025, excited to see how our findings and shared stories will inspire meaningful change.
