The sounds of cars driving by and honking are constant on this stretch of road but Alex Alysworth and Elwin Murphy don’t mind it.

Both men have been living on the streets on-and-off for approximately 20 years, and for the last three they’ve been taking shelter in the underpass at Lower Simcoe Street.

Alex, 59, and Elwin, 52, first met years ago in Toronto Housing but reconnected in the underpass when they made the decision to move back to the streets. Through the years, the two have developed a unique friendship, even nicking naming themselves “Homely” and “Skidley.”

They made headlines in September when they decided to take their passion for literature to the next level, creating what they call “The Free Underpass Library.” Passersby drop off and take books and their collection has been growing since.

The spirit of giving snowballed from there.

Earlier this month, Alex says he was surprised when he woke up one morning to find a boxed Christmas tree at the foot of his bed. Being in the Christmas spirit, Alex and Elwin decided to write a sign asking people to drop off ornaments. Not only did they manage to decorate the tree, someone donated a string of lights, a stuffed Santa, and gifts for underneath the tree.

Notice to clean up

Last week, Alex and Elwin received a notice from the City of Toronto Transportation Services saying their personal items including books and Christmas tree must be removed by Dec. 17. According to the City, having this display on the sidewalk is considered encampment and violates a by-law.

On Dec. 17, instead of cleaning up, the two friends decided to pack their bags and leave. The Christmas tree that Alex decorated was given to two random ladies on their way home from a night out.

When we went to catch up with Alex and Elwin the next day, they were gone from the underpass. All they left was Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a note.

But, they didn’t go far, as we spotted their decorations and a much smaller Christmas tree just around the corner from their old home. They’re now located right beside the road on Lakeshore Boulevard West.

Their new set up is much smaller; there are no books lying around for people to take but they have a Christmas tree. This new tree is real and potted. It resembles a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and that’s why Alex and Elwin decided it would be appropriate to call it “Charlie.”

The men say this tree is part of a new project. They’re hoping a person or family will come pick it up, plant it and start a tradition of their own.

Happy and homeless

Alex and Elwin admit outreach staff from the City have passed by to offer them shelter or find them housing assistance but they’ve refused. Both men have been in these programs before and say they’ve had bad experiences and would rather live on the streets. They say they’re happy and homeless.