…or Something Like It is the very appropos title of a new book of poetry written by members of the St. James Drop-In Center in Montreal. Having put in my time working in a homeless shelter with a drop-in center, this story from www.hour.ca caught my eye. I”ve seen other projects that gave those “marginalized” by society a voice, but this one seems very well put together. The project was started by Greg Rickhaus, McGill social work stagiere helping out at the drop in center. Rickhaus initiated a series of poetry workshops, held weekly at different sites around the city.

The poems in the book were written by clients of the drop in center, and are accompanied by photos taken by them. The book will also include biographies and email addresses where the poets can be contacted. “There”s a lot of pride in the book,” says Rickhaus. “It”s a very big step to have your own poetry in a book [...] In a poem, you”ve poured down your heart. The hard things on your mind are out there, raw, for whoever wants to see. The book was an opportunity for growth.”

The book will be sold at the St. James Drop-In Center and other locations around the city. If you”re interested in knowing more or making arrangements to sell the book at your own venue, email info@stjamescentre.ca.