Permanent memorial set up for those lost while experiencing homelessness

CALGARY — Calgary now has a place to mourn those lost to homelessness, with a permanent memorial set up downtown.

It serves as a piece of dignity to those lost while fighting for their lives on the street.

“I myself have lost numerous friends to the streets,” said Nigel Kirk.

Kirk has experienced homelessness and helped fundraise and advocate for the space.

It’s a dream of his realized, as he looks back on how he would mourn his friends lost to the lifestyle.

This morning a permanent memorial is being unveiled for the city’s homeless community. It’s located at 107 13th Ave SE. #yyc @citynewscalgary pic.twitter.com/W5pmV0bjVd

— Taylor Braat (@TaylorBraat_) October 13, 2021

“It was just myself and a couple of friends in a park with coffee and candles sharing stories of those that we lost.”

In 2020, 202 people died from the effects of homelessness.

The site is located on a street near several of the city’s shelters – and was a community collaboration, started through work between the client action committee, made up of those who experienced homelessness first hand.

“When we work together, we will be able to move towards ending homelessness or reducing it so the need for this memorial is about people who died in the past and it’s not an ongoing site,” said Dr. Jessica Shaw, an associate professor in social work at the University of Calgary

Outgoing Councillor Evan Woolley said Wednesday’s unveiling was his last public event, fittingly, as he has been a tireless advocate for the city’s marginalized communities and lost his own brother to an opioid overdose.

“We have monuments all over the city to the rich and powerful and I’m just really pleased that we now have a memorial for those that are most marginalized,” said Woolley.

Outgoing Councillor Evan Woolley chokes up as he speaks… advocating for the homeless community in his ward has been very important to him. Poignant words. #yyc @EWoolleyWard8 @calgaryhomeless pic.twitter.com/DpKqZHrVvf

— Taylor Braat (@TaylorBraat_) October 13, 2021

The memorial includes two pillars, a statue with a backpack, and a bench, specifically designed to create a place to lay on. There’s also a place to charge a phone.

Patricia Jones, with the Calgary Homeless Foundation, says this memorial is not just for those grieving, but the community at large.

“I hope it serves as a reminder for us all that every Calgarian deserves the respect and humanity of life, of having a healthy life and healthy grieving death.”