All over this capital city of ours, where concrete meets creativity, a silent battle unfolds. This battle shapes our behaviour, influences our interactions, and defines our shared spaces. It's one we are all subliminally affected by, one waged through design in the form of hostile architecture.

In The Heart of Ottawa, approximately 1,200 individuals sleep rough each night, according to the City of Ottawa's 2022 Point-in-Time Count. Yet, their stories often remain untold. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, and when it comes to homelessness, the representation is often flawed. To foster a society rooted in equality and empathy, it is imperative to confront the significant gaps in media portrayal of the homeless and unstably housed individuals in Ottawa.

It was an ordinary morning at the Somerset West Community Health Center’s supervised consumption site. Yet, in the midst of what should have been a routine day, something extraordinary unfolded—a demonstration of raw humanity and the power of teamwork that I will never forget.

It’s no secret that the streets are dangerous places. Homeless people face many risks. From exposure to insomnia and every vulnerability in between, it’s a wonder any of us survive at all. Trust me, I know, and I live it every day as a woman too! So you know, between the hours of 8 and 8, every car that passes is one trying to get me into their car, thinking they can drive me someplace where they can’t hear me scream. Get lucky for 40 bucks. Well, I’ll tell you, those find themselves sorely mistaken. Here are some risks we face: the underbelly that tourists don’t Instagram. You see, this city isn’t all beavertails and tulips, and let’s not forget the shawarma! Nope, it’s got its own set of urban survival challenges, and they’re not for the faint of heart.