Remove the homeless shelters at 900 Pacific and 1335 Howe St. that were dropped into our densely populated residential neighborhood, jeopardizing the safety and integrity of our schools, childcare facilities, homes, and businesses alike.

When Vision Vancouver made the decision to convert the old Quality Hotel at 1335 Howe Street, and the old Kettle of Fish restaurant at 900 Pacific into, “temporary” homeless shelters, it would be expected that first consultation with residents, owners of businesses, and schools would be protocol. Instead, with no warning and no consultation, the Mayor’s staff approved these two homeless shelters to be placed right in the middle of our densely populated community.

In our region of False Creek North between the Granville and Burrard bridges, there are hundreds of families who rely on pre-schools and day cares in the area.  It is inappropriate and dangerous that two huge facilities housing a high risk population be placed adjacent to schools, playgrounds, and community amenities.  There has already been a documented spike in crime since the opening of the shelter at 900 Pacific.

While we welcome the idea of helping people to get off the streets, we feel that this particular project was grossly mishandled.  Not only does the city lack support from the Provincial and Federal Governments (thereby foregoing necessary funding to provide the level of support required for this type of project), but they also failed to provide adequate staff to the sites.  The 157 capacity Quality Inn site will be staffed with just two support workers.  

There is no long term program for rehabilitation; merely shelter.  Funding, we feel, would be better placed to address the core issues behind the homelessness problem in our city, rather than transporting a completely  dysfunctional community into a thriving, well functioning one with growing families.  

Elected government is supposed to represent us the people, not just do.  Please remove these shelters and rethink your homelessness prevention plan.