January 9, 2009

Response to Minister Coleman’s proposal to force people into shelters

Dear Minister,

I would like to address comments that have been made by you in the media supporting amendments to the Mental Health Act that would force homeless people to be in shelters during periods of extreme cold weather.

As you are aware, homelessness has more than doubled in Metro Vancouver under your government’s watch and it is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 - 15,000 people who are homeless today in British Columbia. The recent cold weather in the Lower Mainland has put the health of homeless people at extreme risk. In December 2008, Tracey passed away after burning to death at Davie and Hornby. A candle she was using to stay warm ended up causing her belongings and tarp to catch fire. Earlier in 2008, Darrell Mickasko also died from a fire after trying to stay warm and his girlfriend Pamela Erickson suffered serious burn injuries.

Minister, you must realize that many shelters have barriers and limitations to services that are preventing people from accessing the option of over night shelter. And ultimately, shelters are not homes.

In the case of Darrell Mickasko, it was believed that he and his girl friend didn't seek a shelter space because there weren't shelters available that would accommodate a couple staying together. In the case of Tracey, there was some speculation that she had refused a shelter because she was concerned about losing all of her belongings in her shopping cart.

The lessons that your government should have learned from these cases is that government needs to act to change the requirements at institutions to fit the needs of the people. Additionally, I have heard from other homeless people who had refused a shelter because they were not able to bring their pet(s) in. Issues of safety have also been expressed by women. The homeless in the aboriginal community are disproportionately high relative to their population and services run by the aboriginal community for aboriginals are much needed.

The existing barriers associated with the shelter system need to be addressed. For example, couples should have the opportunity to stay together, individuals should be able to bring their pets and there should be a secure place to store one's belongings. Whether or not women are fleeing violence, there is a need for women only shelters and, as noted above, there is a need for aboriginal facilities. For those who are struggling with substance misuse, there is a need for more wet shelters to ensure that there are places for people suffering from alcoholism and other addictions. Also, there clearly is a need for more trained outreach workers who are out in the evenings interacting with homeless people on a regular basis. We also need counselors to provide additional supports.

Last, it must be recognized that shelters are not homes. We need permanent solutions. BC needs a permanent housing program that can provide safe, secure, affordable housing to those in need along with support and treatment options so that they can be on the threshold of success one day.

Your proposal to detain homeless people in shelters against their will is a blunt public policy instrument. Aside from potential legal challenges and concerns about Charter rights, it should be noted that the police are not adequately trained to assess people living on the street. Additionally, by taking people to shelters, there is no guarantee that they will stay there. With your proposal, shelters could be seen as being turned into a form of prison for the homeless?

I strongly object to the nature of changes that you are putting forward and view them as extremely misguided. It is both the wrong diagnosis and intervention for the homelessness crisis that has spiralled out of control under your government's watch.

Kind regards,

Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA

Vancouver – Mt. Pleasant