It’s no secret that building a genuine connection with our street friends, one that’s more than a transaction, can be tough. When our friends on the street need basic necessities, such as food, water, and clothing, they'll do almost anything to obtain them. That might mean they'll listen politely when you share the gospel, even if they're not truly receptive, just because they know it means they’ll get the thing they need.  So, it makes it hard to know if you're actually bu

At Ottawa Innercity Ministries (OIM), we’ve seen firsthand how simply being present and listening without judgment can be a turning point for someone experiencing homelessness, trauma, or isolation. It’s not about having the right answers. It’s about creating space for someone to be heard. One of the biggest issues of our society is loneliness, and for our friends experiencing poverty and homelessness, it is multiplied. They are on the streets of a city of 1 million-plus peo

“I like your face. It’s kind.” She had a thin frame and walked a little crookedly, but her gaze was steady and aimed directly at mine. Several open sores dotted the skin of her face and arms, but she was a pretty young woman. “Usually I don’t take anything,” she said matter-of-factly, “but today, because of your face, I’ll look at what you’ve got.” It was my first shift as a street outreach volunteer, and for most of the nearly three-hour stroll around the downtown core, I pu

Recently, I went to Tim Horton's to buy that extra coffee, as I knew I would require extra caffeine. As I walked across the street, there were two ladies standing at the corner of the building talking. One (we’ll call Maria) was holding a sign. She was looking for some change. As I approached the building, the lady said to Maria , “Thank you for sharing that, and I hope your day gets better, ” and walked away. I have no clue if she gave her anything. I kept on walking. When i

Sometimes after serving with Street Outreach, I cannot fall asleep, my mind stuck on those on the street I have just seen. When I see the...