Real Illusion

Homelessness

Mental Illness

Poverty

Hunger

Street Life

This is the reality for many people living in Downtown Toronto. People who wait by the street corner collecting any change and eating what they can afford with barley a decent coat on. People who stand outside the doors of a soup kitchen waiting to eat there first meal of the day. I witnessed this behavior and my eyes were opened to the realities of life. Yesterday, I went on a trip to the Ossington and Queen area of Downtown Toronto, were the biggest mental health hospital in Ontario is being built. Apart of our assignment was to capture poverty through an artistic medium. I used photography. Through photograph, I am creating a story of street life through the eyes of struggling humans. What caught my attention was walking down Queen street and noticing a long line up of people waiting outside the St. Clair Soup Kitchen. Someone shouted 'Come on' with great frustration. While I captured that moment, it touched me that this many people were going hungry and I am blessed with food whenever I need it. Interaction was also a big factor. There was interaction happening between street people and those they knew. While my friends and I were walking down on Queen street we spoke to someone who shares his poetry for free. He shared his latest poem and donations were appreciated. My group and I then, witnessed him use the money he made to buy himself something to eat. Overall, this trip was exciting and informative. It gave me a chance to break out of this 'bubble' and be apart of the action around me. I was able to gain greater understanding and sympathy for hose living on the streets and inspired me to be a bigger humanitarian.