RIP Barry Hemphill

I just learned through Facebook that Barry Hemptill died a couple of days ago. The name may not mean anything to most of you, but some might remember Barry, even if you didn’t know his name, from his years busking with his guitar in downtown Fredericton. He was an accomplished musician. He had also been homeless for many years, much of that time living in a tent.  

Several years ago, I was involved in what we called the Narrative Project. It was an effort by the Community Action Group on Homelessness (CAGH) to educate people about homelessness by having people with first hand experience explain what it’s like to be homeless, and at the same time feature the people behind the label. After all, they all have a story.  

I took a liking to Barry right away, as I found him thoughtful, intelligent and brutally honest. We met in his new apartment on the northside, a place he had moved into under the Housing First program.  

In his memory, and for the benefit of anyone who wants to know more about the challenges that go with being homeless, and a peak into who Barry was, here’s that interview from six years ago. FYI – it runs just shot of 18 minutes.     

My condelances to Barry’s family.

Thanks for reading, or in this case watching. Shares are always appreciated.