I've been skydiving through life: coping with homelessness since 16 | Generation Homeless, Episode 3

Summary

Christopher, a young man from Oshawa, shares his heartbreaking story of being kicked out of his foster home at 16 due to not being a 'ward of the court.' He describes his struggle with homelessness, the kindness of strangers, and the support he receives from his beloved dog, Casper. Despite facing numerous challenges, including addiction and a failed attempt to secure housing, Christopher remains determined to find stability and employment. His narrative highlights the harsh realities of life on the streets and the need for more compassionate and effective social services.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The individual had a positive experience with foster parents but was forced to leave at the age of 16 due to not being a 'ward of the court'.
• 💔 They felt abandoned and scared, with no support system or knowledge of what to do next, highlighting the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care.
• 🐾 The person found solace and companionship in their dog, Casper, who has become their anchor and source of pride amidst their struggles.
• 🤝 They rely on the kindness and encouragement of strangers, which has been crucial in helping them endure difficult times.
• 🌃 The individual has been homeless on and off for eight years, facing judgment and disconnection from people who assume they are choosing this lifestyle.
• 🏢 They have faced systemic issues with social services, such as not being placed on the central housing waiting list despite being told they were.
• 🚫 There is a critique of the approach taken by 'Streets to Homes,' which seems to focus on providing temporary solutions like free needles rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness.
• 💼 The person desires employment to become a functional member of society and escape the cycle of homelessness, but has faced challenges in securing a job.
• 💔 They have experienced deep emotional pain, including the loss of a partner to suicide and feelings of worthlessness, which have contributed to their struggles with addiction.
• 🚫 The script reveals a lack of effective support and resources for individuals in similar situations, leading to a cycle of despair and difficulty in finding stability.
• 🔄 There is a strong motivation to change and improve the situation, with aspirations to help others in the future by becoming a harm reduction worker or a CAS worker.

Q & A

What was the reason Christopher was put into foster care?

Christopher was put into foster care on a temporary care agreement due to his misbehavior and coming out as gay at the age of 10, which his parents were not happy with.

Why was Christopher kicked out of his foster home?

Christopher was kicked out of his foster home on his 16th birthday because he was not a 'word of the court,' meaning he did not have permanent custody from CAS (Children's Aid Society).

How did Christopher's foster father help him before he was kicked out?

Christopher's foster father did everything he could to keep him, even giving him 300 cash when he was kicked out, but CAS wouldn't make him a 'word of the court.'

What does being a 'word of the court' mean in the context of foster care?

Being a 'word of the court' means that custody has been permanently given to CAS from the child's parents, which would have likely prevented Christopher from facing homelessness.

How long has Christopher been homeless?

Christopher has been homeless off and on for eight years.

What role does Christopher's dog, Casper, play in his life?

Casper is Christopher's anchor and source of pride, providing emotional support and companionship. Casper is also a conversation starter on the streets, helping Christopher connect with others.

How did Christopher's friend Amy help him when they moved to Toronto?

Amy and Christopher moved to Toronto together with plans to get an apartment, but when it fell through, they ended up staying in the woods with a 'Dollarama safety blanket.'

What is Christopher's experience with the organization Streets to Homes?

Christopher has been connected with Streets to Homes since he arrived at an encampment, but he feels they only offer temporary solutions like free needles and have not helped him get housed.

What is Christopher's view on the role of Streets to Homes in helping the homeless?

Christopher believes Streets to Homes should be focused on helping people find homes rather than just providing temporary aid like free needles, which he feels contributes to a cycle of homelessness.

What does Christopher need to improve his situation?

Christopher needs a stable job to occupy himself and avoid panhandling, as well as a permanent housing solution to break the cycle of homelessness.

What would Christopher like to do to help others if he can turn his life around?

If Christopher can turn his life around, he would like to become a harm reduction worker or a CAS worker, providing the patience and support that he needed during his struggles.