International Association Of Independent Journalists Inc.

[Maurice Ali]

Charles Wants His Mom To Know He Is Ok!


By Maurice Ali, Journalist





His name is Charles and He panhandles at the corner of Adelaide and Bay Street. The coherant and articulate thirty one year old described his gradual slide from family man to homeless man in a rather frightening tale of how anyone could end up on the streets.

Charles gave us a typical day in his life; from being handed a ticket for pan handling to worrying for his safty when he met up with somene he owed money to. Living on the street can be tough and he wometimes worries about getting a knife in the stomach..... He plans to exit this lifestyle and actual seeemed sincere in that and at one mooment seemed ashamed at what he was reduced to doing to survive. becuase of this, I may include his interview in Shane's mini-movie titled ".Real Life"

One touching parting shot was his desire to let his mom know he was alright if by chance she happened upon this story or the video. So for rthe record, here is his message:

"Hi Mom, I'm Ok. And I will probably see you soon..."