Covenant House Vancouver

I was recently lucky enough to go to Cuba for a vacation I had been there once before so I knew what to expect: beautiful beaches, warm sun and some of the nicest, friendliest people. I also knew to expect: poverty, unfairness and people lacking very basic supplies.

I worked with homeless and high risk youth for many years and I am a strong advocate for human rights, so going to Cuba caused me mixed emotions. On one hand the tourism industry creates jobs and brings money into the country but on the other hand I am supporting a country that puts tourist's needs before their own people.

In Cuba I had access to a cheap and frequent bus service - but this service is only for tourists as no locals can ride these buses. Instead the locals have to wait in long lines for infrequent bus service or hitchhike. At our hotel we had a doctor onsite and available 24 hours a day and bank open 12 hours a day. The Cuban people do not have this luxury; I went past a bank and there was a line down the block. I am not an expert on Cuban politics but the disregard for their own people is hard to watch and I felt badly that I was receiving special treatment as a tourist.

I knew to expect this unfairness and I had researched what I could do to give back to the local people. I made sure to tip generously as this is what many people working in the tourism industry survive on. I brought tampons, soap, razors and other supplies that are hard to get and gave them out. I brought small toys, pencils and crayons to give to children. These items are considered luxuries and people were very appreciative to receive them.

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Lily had been in hospital for three weeks. Lily is 20 and she was a longtime crystal meth user, and the effects of this drug can be far reaching and permanent. Lily was displaying psychosis; and although she was clearly mentally ill, we were uncertain as to whether or not this was organic (biological) or drug induced psychosis.

The Outreach Team visited her consistently in the hospital, attempting to work closely with the hospital staff to collaborate on a suitable discharge plan. She was released to another shelter and two days later, but unfortunately, she was hit by a car and admitted back into the hospital.

We worked closely with the hospital staff to support Lily in her recovery. The hospital helped Lily to reconnect with her parents and she agreed to repatriate home to Manitoba. We picked Lily up at the hospital, helped her pack her bags, call her parents, and then drove her down to the airport. We coordinated with the airline, to have her escorted on and off the plane and to meet her connecting flight.

Lily called us a few days later to tell us she arrived home safely. She thanked us for all our support.
We have our fingers crossed that her mental health issues were only drug related, and that she will see full recovery.

Crystal meth
 

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