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Homeless Facts

In the 2008 Homeless Count there were AT LEAST 3,062 people homeless in Metro Vancouver.

Since 2002, there has been a shocking 137% increase in overall homelessness and a 373% increase in the number of people sleeping outside. /.

Olympic Safe Haven Project

To Everyone Interested in the Olympic Safe Haven Project,

Incidents of violence increase in cities during mega-sporting events. We feel as a community we need to respond to the potential of increased violence in our neighbourhood and larger community.
The Olympic Safe Haven Project is based on a “Block Parent” style of providing refuge. Any agency, organization, club, church or group is welcome to participate. We will post signs in our windows clearly visible from the street for the duration of the Winter Olympics.
These signs will signify that we are committed to supporting anyone fleeing violence, been a victim of violence, or has witnessed violence. The level of support, the skill set, etc that each place can offer will depend on the site itself. Some places will only be able to offer a glass of water and somewhere to sit and phone for an ambulance, SafeRide, WISH, or another helping resource. Other places will be able to offer much more extensive support, such as nurses & crisis counsellors.
I hope that managers and staff will discuss what level of support they can commit to, and be transparent while supporting someone. The result is to have designated places that people know they can go in an emergency – an instantly recognized safe place to duck into, get some help or just a chance to become calm.
If you are interested in participating, please have these conversations with your staff group, so that you’re all on the same page. Also, please see attached poster. It is important that the posters all be uniform so they are instantly recognized. These signs will be with Outreach as well, so that everyone in the neighbourhood will recognize them and know what they’re about.
Also, feel free to pass on this letter, and a copy of the poster to whomever you feel would be interested in participating. The more people involved the bigger and more extensive this “web of support” will be.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact Bill Briscall at 604-215-3047.
Sincerely,
Megan Lewis
RainCity Housing – a home for every person

SAFE HAVEN