Tom’s Story is about my 16-year friendship with Tom Hogan, a First Nations man who was perpetually homeless, a self-described chronic alcoholic, and a person who had episodes of psychosis. He was also a magical storyteller and a gifted Woodland-style artist.

I met Tom in 1998, when I helped co-ordinate an art group for people marginalized because of poverty, addictions, mental illness, trauma, and homelessness. I was an outreach worker and an HIV counsellor at the time. I spent countless hours sitting on sidewalks beside Tom, listening and observing, then, with Tom’s permission I wrote it down.

I became Tom’s ally when he entered and left recovery programs, or simply searched for a safe place to live. Sometimes she helped; sometimes she got in the way. Other times, I tried to walk away, but I was always compelled to seek him out again to follow his story.

Tom’s Story is a unique, raw window into the lives of people who are homeless. It is a testament to the power of hope, the generosity of people who own nothing, and the way that art promotes healing. It is also a strong argument for managed alcohol programs and the harm reduction model.