Meet Cory

I heard some rustling coming from my 2nd?story, apartment window.?It’s not an unfamiliar sound.?I recognize the clinking bottles, expletives and the sound of feet landing inside a disgusting, garbage bin.?I looked out to see a man looking for supplies and clothes.

I had been thinking recently that it had been a while since I had written a profile and he drew my attention.?Nothing unfortunately has changed much on the streets.?In fact, they almost seen worse, I find.?With the news of a recent and very generous gift of $25 million from an anonymous donor, that gave me hope and it still does, that change is coming.?In fact, he was the one who brought it up, wondering what is being done with it and feeling somewhat sceptical it will be felt on the streets.?

As has become my mantra of late, I asked myself “What can I do to help?”?I have come to learn that kindness, smiling, stopping to say hello, listening and learning are forms of help.?

Cory was willing to share his story.?He is 43, from Kingston, ON and a father of a 19-year old son. He used to visit London, ON in the summer as he has family here, so he is familiar with the city.?“London is bullshit now,” he said annoyed. “So many snobby, rich students and adults who don’t understand. London is a snarky place,” he continued.?

“But, I get it.?I used to be one of those students; mean, judgemental.?I come from a very wealthy family, an entrepreneurial family with loads of money. But nobody wants to talk about my shit and let the family know about my bullshit.?It may upset good ‘ol Uncle Harold or Aunt Bessie!” he added with sarcasm.?

I asked him why he was on the streets and how long it had been.?He is "newish" he shared; 1-2 years. He lived a decent life and loves his mom and brother, whom he said would take him in.?“Why not go then?” I asked.?“I’m a grown-ass man and addicted to opiates,” he responded.?

“I was clean for 4 years and then got in a fight with the old lady. My mom doesn’t even know I am on the streets.”?I reflected on how shame and pain can keep us in such horrific cycles.?

He seemed regretful as he declared, “I know what I have to do, and I have done it before. People, places and things are what you need to consider when you are trying to quit drugs.?I need a good routine, to get back to work without feeling the need for a hit.?I want to be done, I have to be done.”??

He is not oblivious to the snickers on the streets from adults who “don’t fucking get it.”?Not everyone looks like they are on the streets, he explained to me and added people don’t realize others hear their condescending and ignorant words.?

I had brought down a gorgeous, deep-blue pullover to the dumpster with me that I had “stolen” from my partner’s home. He had never worn it and I coveted it.?It was a unique colour and I loved how it felt when I put it on.?I don’t really have any other men’s clothing at my home and I had this thought; Why do people often give away their used-up and unwanted articles, instead of something nice??I decided he needed it much more than I.?He was grateful.?It fit perfectly.

And, before I knew it, our conversation had ended and I returned to the comfort of my home.?

I hope somehow our exchange let him know there are many people and organizations who care. Yet, I encourage you to ask yourself, in all areas of your life; WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP??Then take a step forward and try something.?