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Interviews (Isolated)
People living "outside the system"
(under bridges, etc.):
Interview 1
Q: (If you could change the way things
are done) what would you like from the system? (What should
be done for a) people living here b) people in your situation?)
Opening up some of the public washrooms in the
parks, so I can go pee. The cops try to move you out of the
park or doorway and when they’re gone, I’m moving
back in. You should let us be ourselves. If I want to be outside,
let me.
Q: Has the system or some part of it
ever worked for you? What helped?
I tried housing several times but it never worked,
the people were just so intolerant. What really helps me are
people who give me money when I bum in front of the beer store.
The people at the Corner Drop-In are okay, at least they let
me sleep and I can have some better food as in the mission.
Q: What parts of the system have not
worked for you?
I don’t take meds or see a psychiatrist,
that has never helped me and I don’t think it ever will,
got to have myself a bottle and I’m okay. Got to know
my way around, don’t want anything to do with the system,
it’s too frustrating and often hasn’t helped me,
but made it worse, like the detox centre, I tried it three
times and I’m still on the bottle. They gave me meds
and I was worse off, they don’t really care.
Interview 2
Q: (If you could change the way things
are done) what would you like from the system? (What should
be done for a) people living here b) people in your situation?)
People don’t live here [under bridges].
They just crash and the bottle goes around. We stay wherever
we are and bug the hell out of everybody. We own the land
and everybody owes us. Mental problems I don’t really
have or maybe I got some, I don’t know.
Q: Has the system or some part of it
ever worked for you? What helped?
I get a cheque from Indian Affairs, that helps,
but it’s never enough. At Council Fire they know that
I spend every cent in a couple of days. But they’re forgiving.
At Anishnawbe they care, but I can’t stand being there
too long.
Q: What parts of the system have not
worked for you?
You took our land, your damn system doesn’t
work and I want to have my land back or pay me for it. Soon
as I got to see the cops they want to put me in jail for begging
and some other stuff.
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Toronto-Peel
Mental Health Implementation Task Force Report