From the desk of Karen O'Shannacery, E.D.

...Continued from the Home Page

With homelessness exploding over the last few years, exacerbated by the loss of DTES hotels that provide the greatest concentration of affordable housing in BC, and with local police handing out tickets that people could be arrested on, I did not look forward to this event. I, along with many others, advocated for action: more housing, shelters, including for visitors, stronger protection of the DTES and a stronger voice in decision-making and planning.

Looking back over the past few years of frantic work, I see major steps forward: 24 hotels in the DTES with over 1550 housing units were not only protected, they were rejuvenated and turned over to non profits to operate. VANOC opened a 318 bed shelter as a safety-net for Olympic attendees while the City and Province opened a further 160 shelter beds through HEAT to give everyone a place to stay if they wish it. Construction is started for approx 550+ units of supported housing throughout the City for the homeless, with approx another 700 units to be announced. The police have repeatedly sworn not to use the tickets to ‘clean the streets’ and to-date have demonstrated this. And many of Lookout’s residents tell me how they are looking forward to attending events through the free tickets and free venues – and watch the events on big screen TV’s provided for by VANOC. They feel a part of the celebration, not at risk. There is a significant improvement within shelters and the Minister Rich Coleman has “got it” and demonstrates his commitment to addressing the needs. The Mayor has committed to ending homelessness by 2015. The public has continued to demonstrate generosity and determination to likewise help find and support solutions. So while we don’t have all the solutions yet, and still need more resources – I see the public support and political will in action. By working together, we are making significant steps forward, and if the Olympics coming to town helped give further impetus to creating housing and supports, it is to be recognized for that. Now that they are here, let everyone enjoy!