A personal reflection: What I learned about diversity, inclusivity and equity because of a young homeless man and his dog.

Abstract

Who are homeless youths? This is the question I asked after observing a young man and his dog in the lobby of a bank on a cold January evening in Montreal. In attempting to answer this question I found that a universally accepted definition for "homeless youth" does not exist. Nonetheless, research exist that define who they are, the issues associated with homelessness and the health risks they face on the street. This led me wo ask what I could have done to help the young man. My experience help me realize that the street in unfortunately not only diverse, but also potentially inclusive of everyone, but like the rest of society it is not necessarily equitable.