I walk throughout Oshawa regularly, and in my backpack, I carry these simple items in a small bag. I also carry several Narcan Kits and sometimes a couple of extra pairs of socks.
A simple smile and a quick how are you today can bring a smile back. Sometimes I get a "not good" reply and will usually stop and listen a little about their day. Most of the time they talk about life on the street and their daily hardships. More often I hear that another of their friends has passed away from an overdose.
I have been late for appointments in the past because I will stay and talk for a while, especially when they are struggling with the news. A decade ago this would be a very rare occasion, in recent years this is happening more and more. In many cases, we can only console them for a short time before continuing on our way.
At other times we may be able to point them to resources that they did not know about or think about. I have access to resources and up-to-date and practical resources that can be found in my community. Keeping a publicly accessible link to all free meals in Oshawa has helped a lot over the years, and there are many practical reasons for some of my efforts. I regularly get messages and calls, looking for information on how to help an individual who is newly homeless or someone about to become homeless. Being able to quickly send a link directly to the site and contact info to those resources can help with the knowledge that some care. Not only have I created the Free Meals Listings for Oshawa, one of the main purposes of the Group/Organization listings, I can not remember all the resources available in Oshawa. With various categories like Mental Health, Human Services, Youth, and among others I can easily access the appropriate resources and contact info.
Having a publicly accessible and updated list of resources that CAN BE FOUND IN OSHAWA, can be very frustrating to see resources listed that are not available when you are trying to help. If I am helping someone here in Oshawa, I am not interested in what might be available in the next community or region, I am looking at what is available now in Oshawa. I will add groups and organizations that will assist in Oshawa or provide resources in Oshawa.
LIFE - Love Is For Everyone
Comments
I know with the drugs going around now-a-days it sometimes takes 12 narcan doses to help someone. Always wear gloves when providing lifesaving measures, also if have a buddy check for a medicalert bracelet, or a necklace on them to provide to get information like if it is a OD or diabetic, or something else.
Once we get extra money I can see about possibly going to 1$ store for socks or if I have any laying around in my house.
I am hearing more and more cases about the need for increased dosing, so I have added a couple more with my bag. Great advice to always remember to wear the provided safety items with the Narcan kits and medical alert bracelets, I have even seen some that had theirs tattooed on their wrist.
One of the reasons I am building the fundraising efforts and will be providing drop-off locations for the donation of basics like socks/underwear is to make sure those assisting through the LIFE Community Project have regular access to the work assisting others. Having regular and consistent access can do wonders and may reduce anxieties for those suffering from a lack of needed necessities.