PETITION TO ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

HOUSING FIRST

Adequate Housing For Unhoused 

Residents of Vancouver 

The homelessness crisis in Vancouver has reached alarming levels and requires immediate action. The DTES, known for its high concentration of homeless people is a stark reminder of the pressing need for change. It’s not just about people without homes; it's about an entire community suffering trauma, poverty, mental health issues and addiction.

The right to adequate housing under International Human Rights Law ensures that all residents have the necessary infrastructure and resources to live healthy and dignified lives within their homes, including the essential resources for health, security, peace and comfort. The Canadian National Housing Strategy Act supports the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing as recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Canada  is party. Canada formally recognizes and is deeply committed to International Human Rights, demonstrated by its support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its ratification of seven major UN Human Rights Treaties.

Our National Right to Housing Network has stated that the landmark ruling signals governments to make meaningful, proactive steps to ensure people have access to safe and adequate housing and supports they need, and the courts can intervene when they fail to meet these obligations.

This is an urgent Humanitarian Crisis for those living on the streets, in shelters, and in single room occupancies (SROs) in Vancouver, BC.   Homelessness and inadequate housing conflicts with The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 7, guaranteeing the right to life, liberty, and security and the recent Superior Court decision which made it clear that governments cannot simply push people experiencing homelessness out of sight without providing meaningful alternatives - affirming that Charter Rights require real solutions, not the criminalization of poverty.  Homelessness is a housing issue and Larry Campbell, Advisor, is quoted stating “Housing can fuel change”.  The people experiencing homelessness here in Vancouver say “Nothing About Us Without Us”.

There are currently 2,000 living on the streets of Vancouver, with an additional 1,500 homeless living in shelters.  Additionally, we have 6,500 living in inadequate housing in aging SROs.  Our crisis of 10,000 people suffering inhumane conditions needs to be addressed immediately by all levels of government and your response to our petition is greatly appreciated.

We urgently need all levels of government to treat homelessness as the crisis it truly is and collaborate with our homeless population to develop sustainable, long-term solutions. We are asking the Federal government to provide more funding to the Provincial government and its agencies to prioritize the Housing First model by increasing the stock of supportive housing by 3,500 units over 5 years, with 500 units to be complex care housing units serving the people who need a level of support that goes beyond what is currently available in SRO supportive housing.  

Housing First Vancouver Steering Committee recommends modular housing with supports be set up in Vancouver to meet the high demand of 3,500 unhoused residents.  We further suggest acquiring several of the nine SROs in foreclosure and renovating to meet adequate housing standards without displacing current tenants. Also, an SRO Acquisition Fund could be created allowing non-profit organizations to buy buildings that are offered for sale for the purpose of providing permanent adequate housing with supports. 

We would also like to request that more non-profits embrace the Housing First model as we believe this program is paramount in preventing more people from suffering homelessness and death from overdose and other causes, keeping in mind the life expectancy of 49 years of age.  It's been a crying shame that a  homeless person attends detox treatment only to be escorted back out onto the streets without any housing options, often overdosing.

The system is flawed, homelessness is up 12% and our people want and deserve better.  The solutions are within our reach and we urge our elected officials to exhibit the political will necessary to effectuate real change and fund the desperately needed Housing First program to speed up the development and implementation of this actionable plan with 3,500 units.

This initiative will give hope to people that are homeless and pave the way for a better future for everyone in Vancouver.  Together, we can help create a community where everyone has a safe and stable place they call home.  We hereby sign this petition and add our voice to the call for action.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Homeless Residents of Vancouver

Housing First Vancouver Steering Committee (Advocates)