If you choose to see
Alot of things get called the “invisible problem.” Homelessness is one of them — sometimes. In a big city, it can be quite visible. In a place like Pictou County, perhaps not so much, depending on whether you’re paying attention.
In a series of articles, The News has heard stories and accounts from people who do see this problem — some have lived it. The experiences they describe are chilling, quite obviously in more ways than one. And they do indeed attest that it is a real problem, even in what we love to think of as a quaint, homey collection of communities like Pictou County.
The initiative for these articles is the continuing saga of trying to establish a place of refuge for people who for a variety of reasons find themselves without shelter. After some efforts in this direction in the past several years, Viola’s Place Society has been working toward the purchase of a building for this purpose and finds itself somewhat short of the fundraising goal as its deadline of April 30 approaches.
Many in Pictou County will be familiar with the unfolding of this story. Going back a number of years a New Glasgow congregation was presented with a stark illustration of the need when a man took up residence outside the Life Centre church. They responded, and a valiant effort that involved the church and communities established the Life Shelter. But that centre had to shut its doors after the church closed due to financial difficulties.
While that project worked for a period of time, it also prompted municipalities in the county to recognize the need for a homeless shelter for adults. Fortunately, in Pictou County Roots for Youth, services have been made available for younger people finding themselves homeless.
In the meantime, the congregation at First Baptist Church in New Glasgow recognized this lack of a safety net and set up a temporary adult shelter.
It’s interesting and comforting to see that these churches – and other congregations in a supporting role – embraced this charitable principle to help people in need. Compassion and concern for others’ well-being runs to the heart of their beliefs. We’re indebted to them, and the volunteers who have made it work, for their contribution to this mission.
Unfortunate in this are the occasional smug, elitist attitudes, people delusional enough to believe this problem doesn’t exist, or that we have the social network in place to help everyone. You’ll see the problem if you choose to see. Considering the gaps in mental health services in Pictou County and elsewhere, a growing use of drugs and lack of employment, it’s not hard to fathom how some are going to fall through the cracks, or simply feel lost or overwhelmed.
Getting this shelter purchased is the first step toward establishing it as a refuge for those who lose their way. Organizational details are in the works, with the society getting set to present that to the municipalities to garner support.
Most important, a shelter will provide that crucial first step for those in a bad place to get back on track, and connect them with the services they need to regain their footing.