A few weeks ago, a new shelter for people experiencing homelessness opened its doors near my home.

As a result, there are more homeless people in the neighborhood, much to the chagrin of some residents.

I was playing soccer in my favorite park recently when I noticed unusual traffic there.

A group of about 15 people, who appeared to be homeless, were seated.

When our ball went in their direction, they sent it back to us, all smiles.

I had never seen these people in this park that I go to several times a week. We deduced that they were waiting for the opening of the new refuge located nearby.

It's not for everyone

Residents have complained about this new proximity to these disadvantaged people. Some are afraid for the safety of the neighborhood, others for their safety and that of their children.

Since the shelter opened, my friends and I have noticed increased security at the park.

Guards now patrol there all day.

With all this, I really wonder if the bourgeois have lost the ability to cohabit with the less well off.

Lots to gain

By dint of wanting to drive homeless people out of our neighborhoods, we are missing out on great opportunities to work on our openness.

What does it give to share your neighborhood with more disadvantaged people?

This can help break their social isolation, make them feel less stigmatized.

It allows privileged people to get out of their bubble and be in touch with other realities of life.

By being too focused on ourselves, we forget that there is a diversity of people and that everyone should have their place.

The social mix in the neighborhoods simply humanizes us.