Homelessness

Editorial: Despite setback, Vancouver’s homeless plan is on the right track

Posted on Tue, Apr 29, 2014 - 12:00am

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Ending street homelessness is one of our city’s most urgent challenges. It’s more than just a slogan or a political “wedge issue” that can be used to fuel partisan bickering. It’s about the real people behind the numbers, vulnerable citizens who need our help. It’s also about building a stronger, safer and more prosperous city where investments in housing today spare us higher costs for health and policing tomorrow.

That’s why I committed to ending street homelessness by 2015, and despite a near perfect storm of recent challenges, I will not back down from that goal.

Vancouver braces for rising homeless count

Posted on Tue, Apr 15, 2014 - 11:00am

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urban health, Homelessness

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Less than a week before the newest homelessness count for Metro Vancouver comes out, the city of Vancouver says it is bracing for a dramatic increase in people on the street.

In what was termed an “urgent update” to council, city manager Penny Ballem on Wednesday said a worst-case scenario could see the city experience a 25-per-cent increase in homelessness.