A cold weather alert issued in Hamilton, Ont. earlier this week prompted a tongue-in-cheek reminder from paramedics that a “Homeless Jesus” statue located next to St. Patrick Catholic Church is not real.
“There have been a number of calls over a number of days,” said Hamilton Paramedic Service operations supervisor Edward Harris. “We dispatched our units because we take any call seriously.”
Harris said the 911 calls came in after city officials notified residents to check on loved ones, seniors and those most vulnerable during the cold weather.
“Thanks to those who reported someone laying out in the cold, thankfully it’s the “Homeless Jesus” statue,” said a tweet posted by Hamilton paramedics on Wednesday.
Officials reminded citizens to contact the Salvation Army if they spot anyone alone out in the cold.
“Homeless Jesus” is a bronze sculpture of Jesus wrapped in a blanket and sleeping on a bench located on the corner of King Street East and Victoria Avenue.
It was created by Canadian sculptor Timonthy Schmalz and has been installed in cities including Chicago, Austin, Detroit and Dublin, Ireland.
Harris said paramedics usually suspect similar 911 calls in the area to be that of “Homeless Jesus” but have to respond regardless.
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