Grassroots group ‘Smudge the Streets’ seeks donations to support Calgarians experiencing homelessness

A grassroots effort to support people struggling with homelessness aims to recruit Calgarians to help this winter.

Vignette Wahobin is with Smudge the Streets, which is collecting everything from winter clothing to hot chocolate and hand warmers. It will all be distributed on the Winter Solstice, which is Dec. 21.

She says many Calgary groups and organizations support people on the streets, which adds to all that incredible work.

“It’s just a bunch of people coming together from the community to strengthen the community,” she says. “We try to provide reassurance for our brothers and sisters who are still out on the streets. To bring them together, maybe to bring them a meal.

“We are putting an Indigenous twist to it to remember our brothers and sisters out there, not only the ones who passed but who are still living.”

Before they can hand out reusable bags for people to fill up later this month, they need to collect them all.

Wahobin, who is the Indigenous support coordinator at Inn From the Cold, says it’s a small but meaningful gesture that isn’t tied to any other group or organization but a group of concerned Calgarians.

She knows firsthand the danger and devastation on the streets, exacerbated by winter weather.

“I still have family out there, little brothers, sisters, cousins,” she says.”They are still struggling, and you know, sometimes they are not gonna pay attention to our pleas and cries to get better. If they don’t want to take that initiative or they haven’t seen that light yet, we are still able to provide that support, that love, to let them know you are not forgotten, that we still think of you, that you matter. That’s what this all means to me.”

Until recently, her sister had been out there for a long time, just trying to survive.

“Thankfully, she has been in recovery for a few months, but when I think about my family still out there, there is something in me that says we can’t go to sleep in our warm beds at night while our family is out there shivering just trying to find a warm place to stay. If we can provide warm clothing or even just a simple meal that helps them get through another day, then that does mean something, especially during this time of the year.”

“Let’s be there for them.”

Wahobin is looking for (and willing to pick up) everything from winter wear to anything else someone might need, living rough on the streets.

“If they need shoes or a blanket, they can throw it in the bag,” she says, adding they also plan to offer food when they share the donations with those in need. “Maybe it’s a hot meal or sandwiches because food is a way of bringing people together in all cultures.

“The more donations, the more people we can serve,” she adds. “Clothing is big right now, hand warmers, I’d like to get some hot chocolate.. Potentially anything you can think of would support those living out on the streets.”

Whether you are an individual or a small business with something to donate, reach out to Smudge the Streets at wahobin.vinette@gmail.com or call 825-962-8802.