|
THE OPEN DOOR WEBSITE is a one stop internet resource that provides up to date information for those who find themselves in need, be it shelter, food or clothing throughout the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). As the site expands I will be adding links, phone numbers and other data that targets people with specific needs. If you are a single mother, you can come here to find cheap daycare, baby food, diapers etc. If you are struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism, this site will tell you where to find support groups or treatment centres that deal with your particular problem. If you are new to Canada, you can come here and I will direct you to organizations and people who speak your language and share your culture. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. Toronto has become a metropolis with gleaming office towers, condominiums and an over abundance of greed. I remember one day 5 years ago when I found myself homeless. I had no family or friends I could call for help. I desperately needed to wash the few items of clothing I owned. Can you imagine how I felt when no matter where I looked or who I asked, I couldn't find one place where I could go to wash my clothes for free? I don't want anyone to go through what I did when I found myself alone and hungry, on welfare, living in crack houses or shelters. People will always tell you your where you are because it was your choice. First of all, there are many people who are where they are for a myriad of reasons, and secondly, that attitude only serves to perpetuate the horror of being homeless. I could never understand this kind of thinking. Basically what "they're" saying is "don't expect me to help you when you're the one who put yourself there". People who think this way contribute to the homeless situation. They would rather leave you exactly where you are instead of asking "is there something I can do to help? It absoloutely stuns me knowing how progressive this country is in areas such as international trade, technology and research, yet it can't adequetly provide affordable housing, food or clothing to those who need them the most. I want you to feel hopeful knowing that no matter what your situation, you can come here and find answers, alternatives and understanding. If you're hungry or need somewhere to sleep, access this site to find organizations that can help. Toronto prides itself on many things, and rightfully so, unfortunately helping the poor is one area this city cannot pride itself on. It's become completely out of control. While I may no longer be homeless, I still dread the winter, knowing there will be people in our streets who will FREEZE TO DEATH!!! How can the citizens of this city be proud to call themselves Torontonians? When we've come together and really tackled the problem to the best of our ability, only then can I feel proud. I remember one stupid government official, who shall remain nameless, that uttered the brilliant line "the problem of homelessness can't be solved by throwing money at it". Have you ever heard of anything so outrageous? How, may I ask, does she propose to "fix" the situation without funding? Let them eat cake? It's a new day, and I truly believe we all, every single one of us, has the responsibility of changing what's wrong. THE OPEN DOOR is a good place to start. It was conceived out of my own experiences, as well as my anger towards a government whose priorities are inexcusable. So come on in, look around and I hope you leave this site with an answer that sufficently addresses the place your in now. I also hope that if you are able to help, that when you leave here, you will go away with a renewed sense of responsibilty and compassion. United we stand, divided we fall.
|