@shaneunchained

I want to share John’s story (name changed to protect identity) Today @wallsdowncollective got a report of an encampment being removed by the City of Calgary and Calgary police officers. I was available and brought some supplies and my camera to film the police. We also arranged for some other folks to come help with their vehicles and find a short term solution for this persons belongings at the very least. John was living in the bushes with their dog, not bothering anyone, away from the road and had all of their belongings with them. The city, bylaw and police officers came and told them to “move their stuff” and the rest was getting taken to the dump. When I arrived, John was trying to move their belongings while simultaneously being bagged and thrown away by city workers all while cops stand observing… no one there to help with providing any sort of care. Just take you shit and go. Where exactly? They didn’t care. These possessions and their dog is all John has. They were living in this loation because there is no affordable housing. Shelters don’t allow pets to begin with and there is no housing as a human right. There is literally no humanity anymore. *trigger warning* John told us how they are looking forward to their dog dying so they can unalive themselves because they don’t see humanity anymore. They vented, we listened and eventually they broke down. I asked John if they would like a hug and at first they said “no thanks not sure that will help” and then immediately put the stuff down we were carrying together and said “yeah actually some human contact would be nice” then proceeded to cry in my arms. This is what being a human is. You don’t need a government grant to care about people. We have been tragically accustomed to folks struggling in the streets as a sick normalcy. Yet, when we suggest defunding harmful systems like police, that’s too radical. That’s too extreme. Yet they did nothing today in the form of safety and infact just put someone at risk who has no where to go… Let this sink in. We are failing. Allowing this to continue is not an option. Anyone can become part of the solution by joining grassroots community collectives. Places where mutual aid is a way of life and where community care is truly valued and practiced. Either join an existing group or start your own! I will fckn help you! Just please STOP ALLOWING THIS TO CONTINUE! #fyp #foryou #wekeepusafe #affordablehousing #housingisahumanright #defund #1312

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