Open Letter from DTES coalitions

RE: The City of Vancouver’s action on the Decampment of Hastings St. 

Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Swx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓ilw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories

April 5, 2023

The Coordinated Community Response Network (CCRN), Exchange Inner City, and Vancouver Urban Core Frontline Worker’s Association are deeply troubled by the recently leaked documents and current actions from the City of Vancouver outlining a shift in approach to the Hastings Street Encampment. We believe that the city's change of approach, which prioritizes displacing residents over providing adequate housing, is misguided and will only continue to perpetuate current tensions on Hastings St. and in surrounding neighbourhoods.  

We understand the complexities of an encampment and it is also our goal to not have individuals sleeping on city streets, but we know that the solution to these concerns is a compassionate and holistic approach that prioritizes providing stable and appropriate housing to those in need and not forcibly displacing individuals to insufficient shelter. 

We believe in supporting initiatives that enhance accessibility on the streets, ensure the safety of women and gender-diverse individuals, and promote fire safety to foster a healthy and inclusive community. However, the escalation plan for decampment, without providing suitable housing and support, fails to address these critical concerns in a sustainable, dignified, or compassionate manner. 

The plan will only serve to further traumatize the community, perpetuate tensions between police, city workers, and DTES residents, and potentially lead to conflict. Moreover, the 89 units of housing that the City and Province have promised are not currently available, making the planned decampment a band-aid solution that will result in more individuals being forced back onto the streets or relocated to other areas of the city. 

We call on the City of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia to prioritize the provision of adequate housing and support services for those in need first, rather than displace individuals and continue to perpetuate negative relationships on Hastings St. We urge the City and Province to work with communities, DTES organizations, and residents to find sustainable solutions and adequate housing for citizens living on Hastings St. 

Signed, 

The Coordinated Community Response Network (CCRN)
Exchange Inner City 
Urban Core Frontline Workers Association
Mom2Mom Child Poverty Initiative Society 
BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
La Boussole Centre Communautaire Francophone