It was almost 8 p.m. last Saturday when the intervention team from CAP St-Barnabé, an emergency shelter for homeless people located in eastern Montreal, made the macabre discovery: Mr. R. is deceased.
Mr. died alone in the AH58 cubicle built in the arena of the former Hochelaga YMCA. He would have been 62 this year. He fought against pain until his last breath. His life was marked by suffering and distress, and his tragic death is a reminder of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.
CAP St-Barnabé manages 350 places spread over three sites to accommodate those who seek refuge, who are chronically homeless, who have been evicted or who do not fit into box B) paragraph 8 of the form 1430 of the health network. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we cannot provide the tailored health care these individuals deserve. The sad story of this gentleman is a stark reminder of this reality.
Indeed, the day before his death, Mr. R. was faced with a difficult choice: accept or refuse medical treatment. The paramedics called to the scene were more concerned about a possible aggressive state than about his deteriorating state of health. They left the scene, leaving behind a suffering man and an ice pack for his pain. Mr. R. refused to go to the hospital, an aversion he shared with many people experiencing homelessness who have had traumatic experiences in the health care system.
On the day of his death, Mr. R. was still in great pain. He ended up passing away alone, on a cubicle floor, in what was his home, as uncomfortable as it was.
Mr. R.’s body will likely remain unclaimed, which adds to the sad reality of people experiencing chronic homelessness. His death is a poignant reminder of the pressing need to develop a permanent project that will allow people to receive the health care and dignity they deserve.
Mr. R. is no longer with us, but his memory should serve as a catalyst for positive change. The dignity and lives of people experiencing homelessness depend on it.
We call for immediate action from our governments as well as our donors so that they support us in creating suitable and accessible health care locations for people experiencing homelessness. We are committed to pursuing our mission with determination, but we need support to make this vision a reality. No one should die in a cubicle and it is our collective responsibility to change this reality.