Homeless Charter of Rights launched in Calgary

You're far more likely to get a jaywalking ticket if you appear homeless, according to Calgary Homeless Foundation president and CEODiana Krecsy.

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It's just one small example of the treatment those without an address experience, she says.

It's for this reason her organization, in partnership with the CHF Client Action Committee andthe Alberta Human Rights Commission,drafted a Homeless Charter of Rights.

"When behaviours and programs have policies and procedures that are actually discriminatory to people who have no fixed address, we're not helping these people get out of homelessness," said Krecsy.

1st in Canada

The charter lists 18 rights, ranging from being treatedfairly in the legal system to being given accessto, or explanation of, shelter and agencyrules.

Calgary is the first Canadiancity to launch a charter of this kind, and Krecsy hopes it will spread across the country, helping to raise awareness among the homeless as well as the general public.

"I think this is just highlighting for people that every day things go on that maybe we choose not to see."

Read the charter here: