[mobglob-discuss] Fw: COUNCIL E-lert 10/10/03: Provincial Action Needed on Homelessness and Poverty

[Paul Browning]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "COPE E-lerts" <elert at cope.bc.ca>
To: <cope at cope.bc.ca>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 8:44 PM
Subject: COUNCIL E-lert 10/10/03: Provincial Action Needed on Homelessness
and Poverty


>
> COUNCIL E-lert 10/10/03: Record High Unemployment Leaves Thousands Out in
Cold
>
> WHAT'S HAPPENING?
> -Mayor Larry Campbell continues work to find a non-confrontational
solution
> to homeless squatter camps in the city, while calling on the BC Liberal
> government to take responsibility for the consequences of a failing
economy.
> -With a recent Statistics Canada report confirming that for the first time
> in BC history there are more than 200,000 British Columbians looking for
> work, the Mayor will be looking into the creation of a taskforce to asses
> the city's homeless crisis.
> -The homeless situation will be worsened when 27,000 people are cut off
> income assistance on April 1, causing further stress on local government
> services, especially in Vancouver.
> -This year's numbers indicate the problem is persistently getting worse
> according to Vancouver's Lookout Emergency Aid Society who said last year
> 6,000 people were turned away from shelters due to lack of space, more
than
> double the previous year.
> -The city is also sensitive to fact many homeless suffer from mental
> illness and do not have access to adequate care, so city staff and social
> workers are visiting the squats daily offering to help obtain welfare and
> housing.
> -Although provincial and federal housing funding remains frozen, the city
> has approved development of 400 units of affordable housing so far this
year.
> -An all-day workshop and strategy session, organized by several local
> community groups honouring the international day for the eradication of
> poverty, will plan action to fight homelessness and poverty 9:30 AM - 4
PM,
> Friday, October 17 in the Carnegie Centre Auditorium.
>
> WHAT YOU CAN DO?
> -Tell premier Gordon Campbell to re-consider the provincial two-year limit
> on income assistance in this time of economic hardship for BC, by emailing
> premier at gov.bc.ca.
> -Find out how to be part of ongoing action fighting for social justice in
> your city by attending the community strategy session 9:30 AM - 4 PM,
> Friday, October 17 in the Carnegie Centre Auditorium.
>
> WHEN AND WHERE?
> -9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
> -Friday, October 17.
> -Carnegie Centre Auditorium, 401 Main St.
>
> QUESTIONS?
> -For more information, contact COPE Organiser Nathan Allen by calling
> 604-255-0400, or email nathan at cope.bc.ca.
>
>
> A NOTE ON E-LERTS
> E-lerts are COPE press releases and highlight information about upcoming
> civic activities. Here's how COPE uses them:
> (1) There are four types of E-lerts -- COMMUNITY, COUNCIL, PARKS and
SCHOOL.
> (2) There will likely be a maximum of three E-lerts a week for all
> boards/council.
> (3) You can sign up for selective E-lerts. To change your E-lert status,
> please reply to this e-mail by putting the name of the board or council
you
> wish to be E-lerted to in the subject line (e.g., Jane Doe wants Council
> and Parks so she replies with COUNCIL PARKS in the subject line).
COMMUNITY
> E-lerts are sent to everyone regardless of your E-lert status.
> (4) If you do not wish to receive E-lerts, please reply to this e-mail by
> putting "REMOVE" in the subject line.
> (5) If you know anyone who would like to receive E-lerts, please send
their
> name, phone number and e-mail address to cope at cope.bc.ca.
>
> PRIVACY NOTE: The names and addresses of subscribers to COPE E-lerts will
> not be provided to any other individual or group.
>
> COALITION OF PROGRESSIVE ELECTORS - VANCOUVER'S VOICE
> Address: 140-111 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 4C4
> Web Site: http://www.cope.bc.ca
> E-mail: cope at cope.bc.ca
> Telephone: (604) 255-0400
> Fax: (604) 708-5740
>
>