Every morning on her way to work, a friend of mine has been running into a couple of guys who have made ‘home’ out of the shielded entry way to her apartment at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Birmingham in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The doorstep enclave provides some shelter from the weather, among other things.

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She never felt inconvenienced by having to make her way around/over their sleeping bodies in the morning, and the various leave-behinds they keep bundled in the corner. In fact, she always felt as though she ought to offer them a hot cup of tea or a sandwich.

This week she moved to a new apartment.  Returning yesterday to collect the last of her belongings, she found this letter in her mailbox from one of her involuntary guests. His name is Daniel, and his friend’s name is Safety.  Receiving this letter made her wish she had made a kind gesture first.

Letter from a homeless man in Halifax

For those who find the hand writing difficult to read, here is the text of the letter:

”
I am unsure of how to explain this as obviously this situation is outside the normal realm.

I do simply want to say thank you on behalf of Safety and myself for what has been regarded as home for the last two weeks. Despite life taking turns for the worst, and finding myself in a situation I beyond dread, I have actually grown to find solace on your steps. This place has become the only “safe” place where it seems my defenses can be lowered after long days.

Why you have found the generosity to allow us here is special on your part. I know that it may have even scared you, but your willingness has been the only real act of generosity I have encountered. I will apologize that Safety has a habit of sleeping in and blocking the door.

I do not even know your name but I hold you in the highest regard, and I thank you with the entirety of my heart.

Daniel

PS. I hope to once again have a home within the week. If I can do anything for you please find me and ask.
”

There has been a lot of media coverage recently about poverty and homelessness in Halifax. Some readers are sympathetic, some disdainful. However,  when reading this letter, you can’t help but be grateful for the luxuries we take for granted… like a roof over our heads.