CALGARY- In an unassuming building not far from where the Calgary tower burns bright to honor veterans in the city, those that have served our country work to try and put their lives back together.
Veteran Street Voice is a collaboration of poems, photos and stories compiled by vulnerable veterans that are looking for an outlet.
Bruce Haslip is a veteran with a keen eye for photography; his photos are being showcased in the magazine.
“I know myself… and how many times I tried to go home to fit in and I didn’t… it won’t happen.”
After serving his country, Haslip ended up on the streets. He felt he didn’t belong anywhere else.
“The shock of war for some people lasts all their life,” he explained. “For others it lasts only a week, but for other people it lasts a lifetime.”
Louise Gallagher with the Calgary Homeless Foundation says often time shame keeps veterans from asking for help, and that’s how some of them end up on the street.
“Shame is a big part of the challenges for a veteran,” said Gallagher. “When they become homeless and they feel like they’ve let down their brethren”.
Editor of the magazine, Trish Dribnenki-Pennock, believes the magazine serves as an alternative creative outlet for veterans that don’t necessarily feel comfortable sharing their stories.
“Not only did it allow us to get to know these fellas better, “she said. “It also provided a really positive platform for them to speak from.”
The creators of Veteran Street Voice hope with every edition of the magazine, more veterans will allow their voices to be heard.
The magazine is funded by the Calgary Poppy Fund and Royal Canadian Legion.
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