Witnessing Homelessness: A Wake-Up Call in Saint John

Last night, I stumbled upon a sight that shook me to the core. As I walked through a loyalist burying ground in Saint John, I saw a makeshift tent nestled amidst the silent tombstones. It wasn’t a lost camper or an accidental intrusion; it was someone’s home. A homeless person had sought refuge in this sacred ground, using a tent as their shelter.

The gravity of the situation struck me hard. Here, in a city known for its history and resilience, lay a stark reality we often choose to overlook. The homeless crisis is real, and it has permeated even the most sacred spaces of our community.

Questions flooded my mind. How could this happen? Why, in a city as vibrant and compassionate as ours, are there people left without homes, seeking solace in cemeteries? It’s a question that reverberates beyond the boundaries of Saint John, echoing across regions and nations where homelessness persists despite progress in other areas.

This encounter forced me to confront the uncomfortable truth: we’re failing our own. It’s not for lack of resources or caring individuals. We have shelters, outreach programs, and compassionate citizens willing to lend a hand. Yet, the problem persists.

Perhaps the issue lies in our collective approach. It’s not merely about providing temporary solutions but addressing the systemic roots that lead to homelessness. Mental health support, affordable housing, job opportunities—these are not luxuries but basic human rights that seem elusive to those struggling on the streets.

It’s easy to turn a blind eye, to pass by, rationalizing that the issue is too big for one person to solve. But how many more nights will someone have to spend in a cemetery, seeking refuge among the departed, before we collectively say, “Enough is enough”?

The homeless person I saw last night, seeking shelter amidst the tombstones, deserves better. They deserve our attention, our compassion, and our commitment to creating a society where nobody has to seek refuge in a graveyard. It’s time for action, for community solidarity, and for a renewed commitment to look after our own.

This incident is a wake-up call—a poignant reminder that while progress is made in many aspects of our lives, there are still corners of our society where we’re falling short. Let this not be just another passing observation but a catalyst for change.

Saint John, we have the compassion, the resources, and the heart to tackle this issue. Let’s come together, support initiatives, volunteer, advocate for change, and stand in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness. Let’s make our city a place where everyone has a roof over their head and a dignified place to call home.

Because truly, if we cannot look after our own, what does that say about us as a community?

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