Giving Homes to Vancouver's Homeless

Politicians and Olympic organizers have said that they will not be hiding the homelessness problem in Vancouver when the world comes to visit for the 2010 Winter Games. Even so, it is important for policy makers and community organizers to address the issue as best they can. As a result, a project headed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada is leading the charge and providing homes for some of Vancouver's homeless.

The homeless people are largely from the Downtown Eastside and as many of 300 of these people will be moved off of the streets and into housing next summer. The three-year project is not only focused on Vancouver, but on five cities across across the nation. There is no explicit mention of the Olympics, but the project was included as part of this year's federal budget.

"People who are currently very visible in the Downtown Eastside and other areas of Vancouver, who have mental health and addiction issues, will be offered housing through rent subsidies primarily, and will be offered a different kind of service than they currently have access to," said Paula Goering, a lead researcher for the commission's project.

Source: Globe and Mail

( Add your comments )

Recent Entries:
· Celebration of Light Fireworks Makes Another Comeback
· Views of Vancouver: Point Atkinson Lighthouse
· Views of Vancouver: Yaletown

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Giving Homes to Vancouver's Homeless

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.