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This is the opportunity to find a human approach and a committed practice, anchored in everyday life. In simplicity of relationship, an outstretched hand and an attentive ear. In welcome and present without judgment or pressure.

This is the opportunity to discover yourself, reach out to others and break down barriers. To integrate gently into a personal world that is sometimes difficult, sometimes unfair, sometimes contradictory, but always with the ability to recognize the beauty and grandiose strength of each person.

This is an opportunity to gain recognition for innovative practice. A habit that I think requires courage. And that also requires time to stop for a moment and just be there.

I want to take this opportunity to present to you a text representing a citizen’s opinion on the use of Street Work.

Loneliness freezes hearts as much as the January wind

Looking for some warmth, I went away to the city center. A little confused. A little lost. I saw them in the distance, the ones we call street workers. I think, on the other hand, they didn’t notice me. The freezing cold had affected my breathing. I hoped they could see me, but no sound came out of my lungs. My vision fell, I abandoned. Who, anyway, did I want to be taken with?

In this bone-chilling cold, I heard my name. At first I was surprised, I realized that no one meant me any harm. He was one of them, one of the TR (Street Worker). How are you doing? Hey, it’s cold today. I didn’t need to speak, I felt that I was listened to. He gave me a heat pack. Funny weather to be outside, isn’t it? I wanted to say everything, to tell them about the problems we might have on the street, but my fingers, melted by the hand warmers, said more than anything I wanted to explain it. Of course, I knew he knew. Being with someone, with some warmth, at that very moment, was what was important. The wind could blow the shutters; I was sheltered from the cold that freezes hearts.

Minutes passed, in silent conversation. Do you have a warm place to sleep tonight? Come on, let’s look at this together. He made calls to find me a place. To my surprise, he found it. He did this. In my opinion.

Although we had to walk, my heart was armed against the cold of January and the concrete walls of the city. He guided me there, made sure I would be all right there, and then he left again into the storm that was starting to build. Rain or shine, they moved around day and night, looking for lost souls. Like me.

That evening, I remember being there for a long time, thanking them, until I went to sleep. I didn’t hear the wind anymore. My toes and hands, as well as the rest of my body, were no longer the scapegoat for the January cold. I was no longer frozen.

An outstretched hand warms souls, hearts and hands.

If you want to know more about street workers, feel free to get in touch by visiting the Quebec Street Workers Association website.

Looking forward to meeting each other on the street corner, in the park or at the local cafe.

By Stéphanie Bouchard, Assistant Director of Chicoutimi Street Work Service