Won't You, Please, Help Me?!

2008.08.13 - 12:23 AM

You used to have to dig below the surface to realize the politics comin down. Now it's pretty "in your face" in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Today, I was digging at a prospective home situation when i learned that another hotel is evicting its entire roster of tenants in order to up grade. Which hotel, I've yet to learn but it's sad.
I envision that poor fowl flounering in a body of water while the ice closes in about it. This is the entire homeless and future homeless in Vancouver. This displacement of the poor is becoming immenent and there needs to be some serious consideration of this crisis. Action must be designed and activated or there will be a death toll. Winter is coming and that doesn't even address the matter of preditors who exploit people in crisis.
Vancouver needs a very visible and effective committee, at the very least. This is a problem that must be put "in your face" to a political body or two who are able to deal with it. I'm getting restless enough to do something but have no idea how to begin.
Is there anybody out there?!

Comments

metamorphosis on 2008.08.13

I was out there. Now, I am in and here.

I think you are wise to dig for shelter for the winter. Seek out a community of like-minded individuals. The coldest time that I slept outdoors I was huddled beside other men underneath the awning of a church. The awning kept us dry. Our body heat kept us somewhat warm. Yes, this is Canada. The politicians may be predators, but change is afoot.

Sometimes asking for help may be difficult to do. I ask anyways. What is it that you need most now?

Janelle on 2008.08.13

if you are looking to get involved with homeless nation you could join us for our workshop on mondays at lifeskills (across from oppenheimer park) 1:00-3:00

there are also many community organizations such as CCAP located at the Carnegie, they focus mainly on housing issues and take a specific issue in the closure of hotels in the DTES.

for a more 'in your face' type of direct action you may want to sit in on an APC meeting you can find them online just google Anti Poverty Committee.

hope this helps you to feel there are others out there you can connect with on these issues.

phoenician_ice on 2008.08.13

Hey Janelle,thanks for the advice. I'll look into it, for sure and hope you have a day just short of fabulous (always room for improvement, right?). so............later.

pete on 2008.08.13

I support attempts to find a solution to this growing and what appears

to be a global gentrification. Raising awareness is a beginning, but what I've found is that unless "it" (homelessness) has happened to you then you don't really understand it. Those of us who have experienced homelessness firsthand are in a position as teachers in a way.Thanks to all on this site and keep it up, I hope to meet some of you this winter in Vancouver.
Peace

see this:
www.7dvt.com/2007/house-divided

cathyk on 2008.08.13

Vancouver homeless offered one way tickets to Victoria/Nanaimo??!
Has anyone heard of this? Do you know someone who took up the offer?
contact cathyk
thanks!