The Homeless and the Working Poor
- Thread starter Northboy
- Start date
I had to work in downtown Vancouver early this week. Because a wind storm had shut down the Lions Gate bridge I had to go over the Ironworkers bridge then down East Hastings to get there. It has been awhile since I drove through there and was completely shocked at the number of street people. I'm not sure there's another major city north of Mexico that has a homeless problem like Vancouver, at least not one so highly concentrated in one area. Even away from there I was, as usual, accosted by pandlanders everytime I stepped out of the Hyatt (Georgia and Burrard).
About a month ago I heard Premiere Gordon Campbell on radio admit that the shutting down of mental health facilities/residences in the 80's has had a substantial impact on the street. I was surprised to hear that in his opinion it was a mistake. I saw the mayor of Vancouver went to Ottawa a week or so ago to ask for assistance with the overall problem. No doubt when the Olympics come to town everyone will get to see this terrible situation for themselves on worldwide TV unless the issue is dealt with before then.
About a month ago I heard Premiere Gordon Campbell on radio admit that the shutting down of mental health facilities/residences in the 80's has had a substantial impact on the street. I was surprised to hear that in his opinion it was a mistake. I saw the mayor of Vancouver went to Ottawa a week or so ago to ask for assistance with the overall problem. No doubt when the Olympics come to town everyone will get to see this terrible situation for themselves on worldwide TV unless the issue is dealt with before then.
The homeless
If I was going to make some bad choices and end up homeless, Vancouver would be my choice. Until this year at least, it doesn't get particularly cold. Wet, yes, but not too cold.
Maybe scrounge some hot dogs and bugger off into a park for a bit, sleep under a plastic tarp, go to the Sally Ann for clothes/food/used tent/.
But, since I don't have any "noticeable" mental issues:wave::wave:
:blob7:ccasion8::banghead: , don't drink, and don't do drugs, I can't see this happening anytime soon.
If it does, can I come and stay with some CC'ers in LaLa Land??
Seriously, if the government in all its glory, has decided not to spend the required amount of time and money to help, what ken we do eh?:grommit:
It's not like WE closed up the mental institutions. I took part in a demonstration against that when Mikey Hairass was Ont. premier. Damn near got throwed in jail too.
I give regularly to the Men's Mission in Ottywaw. Not too much more I can do, and I'm sure as hell not going to wear a hair shirt over it.
Kind of a silly phucking thread anyway.
:grommit:
If I was going to make some bad choices and end up homeless, Vancouver would be my choice. Until this year at least, it doesn't get particularly cold. Wet, yes, but not too cold.
Maybe scrounge some hot dogs and bugger off into a park for a bit, sleep under a plastic tarp, go to the Sally Ann for clothes/food/used tent/.
But, since I don't have any "noticeable" mental issues:wave::wave:
:blob7:ccasion8::banghead: , don't drink, and don't do drugs, I can't see this happening anytime soon.If it does, can I come and stay with some CC'ers in LaLa Land??
Seriously, if the government in all its glory, has decided not to spend the required amount of time and money to help, what ken we do eh?:grommit:
It's not like WE closed up the mental institutions. I took part in a demonstration against that when Mikey Hairass was Ont. premier. Damn near got throwed in jail too.
I give regularly to the Men's Mission in Ottywaw. Not too much more I can do, and I'm sure as hell not going to wear a hair shirt over it.
Kind of a silly phucking thread anyway.
:grommit:
I believe population density creates a special problem as people have stopped knowing what's going on in their community..Cities are a reality, but it may have to do with how they are designed...
bit by bit little by little, I believe men of goodwill can get the job done, in Canada anyway..
God I love this country...
G.
bit by bit little by little, I believe men of goodwill can get the job done, in Canada anyway..
God I love this country...
G.