NEWSLETTER - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Sometimes, it takes five or six visits before they feel comfortable enough to discuss their legalproblem, she says. "The first time, they might just come to say hi."Kate, who didn't want her real name used, came looking for reassurance that she won't beassuming an undue risk by taking a job.After years on social assistance and living in shelters, she's found part-time work, 12 to 15 hoursa week, as a clerk in the meat and fish department of a grocery store and plans to go back toschool to become a registered practical nurse.But she heard rumours on the street that her access to benefits will be cut off three months afterbecoming employed. She says she's been on a disability pension and wants to make sure shecan stick with the job. If it doesn't work out, she fears she'll end up on the street."When you're in my situation, you can become homeless at any time," she says. "You're alwaysjust a step away from the curb."Meanwhile, Robert, 47, who works as a maintenance man and gardener at the church, turned tothe program for help with criminal charges. He was living in Winnipeg but ended up in Toronto,where he bought drugs from an undercover officer in an alley. He says he was charged with drugpossession, assaulting police and resisting arrest.A well-known criminal lawyer, who represented him in the past, would take the case only if heagreed to a deal worked out with the prosecution, which involved pleading guilty and getting threemonths in jail, he says.Robert says he didn't want to accept the deal because he didn't assault police. While sitting in theToronto (Don) Jail, he heard about the clinic from the church minister. The clinic ended up takinghis case and he ended up with time served, which by that time was four months in jail.Still, he's happy. He can't get over the fact that when he was released from the Toronto WestDetention Centre in Etobicoke, where he was transferred toward the end of his sentence, Henrywas there to meet him and help him find his way back downtown.The clinic isn't the first attempt to help the homeless with their legal problems. In most major U.S.cities over the last 10 years, lawyers have set up programs through state or local bar associationsto offer non-criminal legal aid services to the homeless. And in Toronto, legal aid services for thehomeless have been offered through other Toronto legal clinics and community agencies, suchas the YMCA.Three years ago, however, Legal Aid hired two researchers who consulted with 100 homelesspeople to see if there was a need for "more accessible" and "more approachable" legal servicesin Toronto. In doing so, researchers Jacques Tremblay and Jim Ward looked at the experienceshomeless people had in seeking legal assistance up to that point and concluded it was notentirely positive.Some said they didn't bother to use lawyers because they could do better themselves. One mansaid he ended up with three months in jail and three years probation for stealing socks. Another,however, said he's used the same lawyer for 15 years and "he's like a member of the family."Some were deterred from seeking legal aid because they believed there was a $25 applicationfee. Others stressed that lawyers wanting to work with the homeless need to "dress down."The Metro Network for Social Justice and theToronto Civic Action Network (TorontoCAN!) present:The 3rd Annual MNSJ Activist Awards Dinner& The Launch of the 2nd Annual People's SummitFRIDAY, OCTOBER 3rd6pm Reception & Silent Auction6:30pm Dinner & SpeechesRALPH THORNTON CENTRE 765 Queen Street East (2 blocks east of Broadview)Tickets are $25 each (Full Tables Available)Call MNST at 416-703-3796 or mail cheques to 25 Leonard Avenue, Box 44, TO, ON, M5T 2R2This is an alcohol-free event. Subsidized tickets available; wheelchair accessible.Toronto Harm Reduction Task Forcewww.torontoharmreduction.org