Homeless ruling needs pragmatic city response

Letter to the Editor published in the Victoria Times Colonist, 17 October 2008

Now that the B.C. Supreme Court has struck down Victoria’s anti-camping bylaw, let’s hope that city leaders adopt a more pragmatic and compassionate approach. Too much public money has already been wasted fighting the basic principle of the right to shelter.

The issue is not whether homeless people should sleep in parks. Let’s raise the level of discussion to how we can compel the provincial and federal government to provide funds to build a home for every homeless person in our city.

Studies show that over 80 per cent of the street community are from our region (rather than “outsiders”). Regardless of their place of origin, action can no longer be avoided. The private real-estate market creates gaping holes that only people power and government action can fill.

Let’s end the cat-and-mouse between police and homeless, by putting a roof over the head of everyone in need. Surely if we can squander $1 billion on security for the Olympic Games (and another billion on highways and stadiums) we can spend the same amount of public money on permanent, safe, supported housing.

Agencies like the Victoria Cool Aid Society, Our Place, and Pacifica Housing have already proven their ability to provide stable homes for the hard-to-house. These organizations and others will eliminate homelessness as soon as citizens force their governments to provide adequate funds.

Ending homelessness is not a mystery. It is a question of political will. The B.C. Supreme Court victory is a kick in the right direction.