What’s New Archives – Jan 2010
Jan 21: ACT team part of promises fulfilled
The Province reviews the promises made by all levels of government and the service providers like RainCity Housing to see who has followed through. Our Housing First ACT team was one of the projects that got underway during Operation Phoenix’s ongoing review of our province’s response to homelessness. Read the article.
Jan 18: All four open and almost full
The Vancouver Courier speaks to MPA’s David MacIntyre and our own Sean Spear about the four shelters now open. MPA opened the fourth Winter Response shelter on Friday in Kitsilano and is almost full. All three of RainCity Housing’s shelters are at full capacity and are receiving much support from the three communities where they reside. Read the Courier article.
Jan 13: Shelters spark interest in campus crowd
Bill Briscall, our Communications Manager, spoke to UBC’s CiTR radio and BCIT’s TV and radio stations about the three temporary shelters, why they’re working, and how shelters are often the first step to helping people find permanent housing. Listen to the CiTR interview. Visit CiTR’s website.
Jan 12: Newest shelter now open in the West End.
Our third shelter opened today and right away people began showing up to stay there. Nearby neighbours dropped by that afternoon thanking us for finally opening a shelter in their neighbourhood. “It’s about time somebody did,” they said. Read the Westender article. Read the Global/Sun article.
Jan 10: Sean talks to Sean at CKNW
Both of our Winter Response temporary shelters are now full only days after opening. Sean Spear, our Director of Support Services, talks to CKNW’s Sean Leslie about this and what’s working at both shelters for the folks staying there and the communities surrounding them. Listen to the interview.
Jan 6: Broadway Shelter helps hard luck patrons
Steve shares his story that lead to his stay at our Broadway Shelter with Cheryl Rossi at the Courier. He went from owning his own trailer to being homeless, and is now beginning to re-establish his life. Read the article.
Jan 6: The Granville Shelter is open
As soon as we opened the doors to our temporary shelter at 1435 Granville this afternoon, people started signing up for their stay right away. Their stay can last until April 30 if need be, when the shelter will be closed. The shelter is open 24 hours, with at least two staff on at all times, and there is room for 40 people. After Mayor Robertson’s announcement on Jan 5, the media came down for a tour. Read the Vancouver Sun article. Read the Global/Province article. Read the Metro article.
Jan 5: Technical brief at City Hall
Mayor Robertson spoke to the media about how the winter response shelters will different from the HEAT shelters opened last year, and Bill Briscall, RainCity Housing’s Communications Manager spoke to the Vancouver Observer about the positive response from the Mount Pleasant community and the benefits of a warm bed and a full stomach when staying at a shelter. Read the article.
Jan 4: Language needs addressed at Broadway Shelter
Almost 30% of the folks staying at our Broadway Shelter are francophones. Working together with La Bousolle, our French-speaking staff and the shelter residents themselves, signs were made bilingual and our nation’s other official language is heard throughout the shelter. Read the Metro article. Read the Province article.
