Homeless Alert

EMERGENCY HOMELESSNESS ALERT

FOR RELEASE ON OCTOBER 27, 2008
Vancouver, BC / Coast Salish Territory – October 27, 2008 –
The Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee For Metro Vancouver (AHSC) is again calling attention to the dire situation of Aboriginal homelessness. Patrick Stewart, Chair of the AHSC, is calling for community support for an equitable allocation of funding for the Aboriginal community. “According to the 2008 Homeless Count, the number of Aboriginal Homeless people in Metro Vancouver has increased 34% since 2005 and after eight (8) years of federal programming, Aboriginal Service Providers in Metro Vancouver receive less than an equitable share of the funding coming into the Region.” For example, “there is still no Aboriginal owned and run shelter for Aboriginal adults who are homeless, says Stewart. “The Aboriginal community just does not receive the same opportunity for capital dollars. We are not winning against homelessness”. According to the 2008 Count, thirty-two (32%) percent of homeless people are Aboriginal and specifically, 45% of homeless women are Aboriginal. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Our treatment is unfair, unjust and uncalled for”, concludes Stewart.

With federal funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) ending March 31, 2009, and with no federal commitment to continue the funding, in spite of the recent federal election, the Aboriginal service providers are beginning to worry about the upcoming winter months.

Support the Aboriginal Community!!! The AHSC will hold a Press Conference October 31, 2008 at 10:00AM hosted by Helping Sprit Lodge Society, 3965 Dumfries Street Vancouver, which is dedicated to assisting in the alleviation of family violence in Aboriginal communities. Jenny Kwan, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and David Chudnovsky, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, will be in attendance.

Take Action! Exercise Your Right To Speak Out!! During the civic election, ask your Mayoralty and Council candidates what they will do to end homelessness, if elected.

The Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee for Metro Vancouver (AHSC) represents over twenty Aboriginal service provider organizations that provide front-line services to people that are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

For Further Information Contact:
Patrick Stewart, MAIBC, Chair
Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee
c / o 25 West 6th Ave
Vancouver BC V5Y 1K2
Telephone: 604 250-5755