Serving the Glebe community since 1973 www.glebereport.ca ISSN 0702-7796 Vol. 46 No. 9 Issue no. 507 FREE
Photo: Trevor Greenway
October 12, 2018
A shelter constructed of found materials near the old Mr. Muffler shop bears witness to homelessness in the Glebe.
Homeless in the Glebe: a compassionate approach by Trevor Greenway
The Glebe is one of Ottawa’s most cherished downtown neighbourhoods, bursting with young families, a suite of great shops and restaurants and a bustling entertainment scene. But despite the cozy village vibe the neighbourhood is known for, it’s clear the Glebe is not immune to the socio-economic issues that are plaguing cities, provinces and countries around the globe.
While there has been a noticeable increase in street activity in the area – panhandling, public intoxication and drug use – these issues are not unique to the Glebe alone. According to the Alliance to End Homelessness, chronic homelessness in the city increased a staggering 21 per cent between 2014 and 2017 and, with Ottawa’s population expected to grow by another 16 per cent between 2016 and 2031, the situation is expected to
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Oct. 15............. Politics of Plastics debate, St. Giles Church, Mon. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15............. Paintings by Heather Bale, GCC Oct. 21............. Frankendance, GCC, Sun., 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Oct. 22............. Ottawa Municipal Election voting day, Mon., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct. 23............. GCA Monthly Meeting, GCC, Tues., 7 p.m. Oct. 24............. GNAG AGM, GCC, Wed., 7 p.m. Oct. 26–27....... Nosferatu, St. Matthew’s, Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27............. Teen Author Fest, Sunnyside Public Library and ......................... Southminster United Church, Sat., noon–5 p.m. Oct. 28............. Pumpkin Derby, Lansdowne Park, Sun., 9:30 a.m. Oct. 28............. GNAG Halloween Party, GCC, Sun., 4–6:30 p.m. Nov. 2............... Concerts by the Canal, Édith Piaf tribute, ......................... Southminster United Church, Fri., 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9–11......... 260 Fingers, GCC, Fri., 6–9 p.m, Sat. and Sun., ......................... 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 11............. Remembrance Day, 100th WWI anniversary, GMS Banner AdRFinalNov.pdf 1 2018-06-08 11:55 AM ......................... St. Matthew’s, Sun., 4 p.m.
become even more widespread. When dealing with the many complex issues surrounding homelessness and poverty, such as drug addiction and mental illness, experts say that the best approach always starts with compassion. “I was told when I first entered this industry by one of my social workers here to not make eye contact with people on the street, but I disagree,” says executive director of the Ottawa Mission Peter Tilley. “Sometimes I think
a little nod, a ‘good morning,’ or a ‘good day’ doesn’t hurt. I think rather than ignoring them, it’s just a nod or an acknowledgement that they exist. You’re a human being and you exist. It’s about compassion and empathy. They didn’t ask to be there, certainly on a cold day, begging on the street.” Tilley spoke of the stigma those living on the street face every day, Continued on page 2
WHAT’S INSIDE
Hats Off to Mickle Macks Page 7
The Original Annexation of the Glebe Annex Page 12
next issue: Friday, November 9, 2018 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Friday, October 19, 2018 ADVERTISING artwork DEADLINE*: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 *Book ads well in advance to ensure space availability.