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Editorial: More action less talk needed on homelessness

Federal parties are proposing support for affordable housing, but they differ on the details
Homeless
It's not enough for political parties to merely talk about ending homelessness, they need a plan, and money to make it happen. Here in the Tri-Cities the number of homeless people is rising.

During Homelessness Action Week this week, Metro Vancouver residents, including people in the Tri-Cities are asked to reflect on the issue of homelessness and do something to end it.

Next Monday’s federal election on Oct. 21 may just be that opportunity.

It’s hard to believe that a wealthy community such as the ridings of Port Moody-Coquitlam and Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam have people who are homeless and that each night there are dozens of people who have no warm, dry place to sleep.

Yes, there is a permanent shelter and transition housing apartments at 3030 Gordon in Coquitlam with enough space to house 60 people. BUt according to the most recent figures from a homeless count in 2017, 3030 Gordon only meets the need of about half of the region’s homeless.

The hope is that the Hope for Freedom Society, with funding for 30 mats at local churches, will be able to shelter those who need help the most this winter, with additional shelter offered at Trinity United Church in Port Coquitlam when temperatures dip below zero degrees.

But it’s still not enough. In order to permanently get people off the street, the region needs more affordable housing, more rent subsidies and housing with supports for people with mental health, addiction and other issues.

Advocates also suggest that a warming shelter with food, services and a safe place to gather is also needed.

How did we get here?

You could blame a number of factors: the closure of Riverview Hospital without adequate community mental health and housing supports, the lack of affordable housing, with governments getting out of the housing business for many years and the arrival of more deadly illicit drugs and dealers who prey on the vulnerable.

This is a situation that has been allowed to fester for years, but what is the solution?

For advocates working under the umbrella of Homelessness Action Week, taking time to understand the issue is a good first step. Homeless people aren’t some alien species but fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, each with their own story: learning more about the Tri-Cities situation would be beneficial, then checking out what the federal parties have to say about homelessness and affordable housing.

It may be hard to find, but it’s important to look beneath promises to lower taxes, introduce boutique tax credits and lengthen amortization periods and change stress tests to find out what the federal Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Green Party have to say about eliminating homelessness.

All the parties have addressed the issue one way or another, although the Greens, Liberals and NDP have promised direct spending on affordable housing. Once promised, it’s up to voters to ensure that those in government follow through.