A snapshot of homelessness
Last week the preliminary numbers were released from the Metro Vancouver Homeless Count 2011, and if you haven’t already heard there were a number of surprises. For the first time since the count began in 2002 there was a decrease, albeit a small one, in the overall numbers (1%) and a big decrease in unsheltered …
The FYI on YPI
What are they teaching kids in school these days? Would you believe me if I told you they might be learning about social awareness and how to give back to the community? It’s true! The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, or YPI, has been part of the high school curriculum (usually grade ten) here in Canada …
The women at Vivian want their stories heard.
A few weeks ago there was an article with the women living at the Vivian, because it was important to find out what they thought and if they wanted to share their side of the story. The women living at the ‘Viv’ arranged a meeting to express their concerns about the article, and two of …
Continue reading “The women at Vivian want their stories heard.”
Survival, Strength, Sisterhood: Power of Women in the Downtown Eastside
From it’s small, difficult start to the important and internationally recognized event that it is today, the 20 years of the memorial march is eloquently shown by film makers Alejandro Zuluaga and Harsha Walia. Please share the short film widely. Watch the film.
It’s all about trust
Our Executive Director Mark Smith spoke with CTV about the success of the VPD’s Outreach Program, and that the key factor is building trust. Read the story.
Homelessness is not a Choice
An Emily Carr University student created this years ago. We love it, and want to thank the student. If you recognize the work, please ask the artist to contact us so we can include their name here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-fJGuv3C3Y
Sean speaks with CKNW
Sean Spear, our Director of Support Services, speaks with Jill Bennett on CKNW about the temporary shelter on East Broadway, why it’s located in that neighbourhood and who it’s serving. Listen to the interview.
Sean Spear on CKNW
Our Director of Support Services, Sean Spear, speaks with Jill Bennett of CKNW’s Weekend News about the Provincial Government’s Assistance to Shelter Act, and the impact it will have on the homeless. Listen to the interview.
The Homelessness Panel reconvenes
At the tail end of Homelessness Action Week CBC Radio One’s ‘On The Coast’ brings together Laura Track from Pivot, Coast Mental Health’s ED Darrell Burnham and our very own Mark Smith to discuss what’s being done and what still needs to be done to address homelessness in Metro Vancouver. Listen to the panel.
Mark Smith on BC Almanac
Our Executive Director speaks with Mark Forsythe on CBC Radio’s BC Almanac about what it might be like if the authorities had the power to compel the homeless living on the street to stay at shelters during extreme weather conditions. Listen to the interview.