LIFE ON THE STREETS

INTRODUCTION

I first met Tom in 1998, when I coordinated an Art Group for people who were low income, street involved or homeless. Tom came to the first meeting and became a regular participant of the Bytown Art Group.

Almost all of the people who came to the group were already artists but most of them had no place to work and no art supplies to work with. It was an incredible experience for me and I met many talented, good people who came to the group religiously to create and to share their stories.

I started writing about my experiences with Tom, once I got to know him. I spent time with him on his street corner, in hospitals, in recovery programs and with his friends. It was humbling, painful and joyous.

Here are two excerpts from “Tom’s Story”, a book in progress about what I have learned from Tom. I began writing about Tom because it was my way to digest what he told me about his horrific upbringing, but gradually I wrote because I thought what I learned might help increase our awareness about marginalized people living on our streets. Each person has a story; their lives did not fall apart because they gave up, often it was because we as a society, gave up on them.

Through my experiences with Tom I have gained a better understanding of what it is like to battle the memories of childhood trauma, mental illness and the demons of addiction. Remarkably I have also learned about the ability of the human spirit to persevere even when it seems the rest of the world has given up.

Since 2005, Tom has lived in a Managed Alcohol Program in Ottawa. He will turn 55 on October 31st. If there was ever need for proof that such programs are vital for people who have chronic addictions I believe Tom’s story is such proof. I have little doubt that Tom would no longer be with us were it not for the unconditional love and support he receives from the staff at The Shepherds of Good Hope. And now that Tom’s health is stabilized he paints.

I had the honour of becoming Tom’s art agent in 2005, and it is my pleasure to share these original Tom Hogan paintings with you and part of his life story.

Enjoy your journey.
Jo-Ann Oosterman