According to Metro Vancouver's Homelessness Count released Monday, the number of homeless folks in Vancouver increased from 1,580 to 1,605 over the last three years. [i] But you wouldn't realize it from Vision Vancouver's press release and fundraising callout. Neither would it come across in any of the articles found in the mainstream press, which praised the government for "plummeting" rates of street homelessness. Nothing is further from the truth.

“If anyone had told me in the late 80’s or early 90’s that I would look back and see that as somewhat of the heyday of the development of affordable housing, I probably would have ran screaming down the street,” said Sheryl Lindsay. “But unfortunately, twenty years on, there aren’t a great many improvements. In fact, things have gotten worse.”

Back then housing activists spent more time getting together, talking about the issues and mobilizing. “The advocacy front was very strong and united at that time,” she said. “Funders and the powers that be would engage in dialogue with us.”

The Recession Relief Coalition ignited fifteen months ago, fueled by an economic collapse that saw thousands of Canadians lose their jobs. Now, the Coalition is trying to push the federal government to provide much needed affordable housing and poverty relief.

Across the country, many businesses have gone bankrupt, some industries are in severe decline and permanent jobs have been replaced with part-time or temporary ones at a much lower rate of pay. A significant number remain unemployed as their EI benefits and personal savings dry up.

They held candles, bowed their heads and observed a moment of silence for the men, women and children who died of homelessness in Toronto.  

“This month we have no new names that must be added,” said the minister.

“Not that we know of anyway,” said one of the mourners.

“We pray this month we were spared more deaths,” added the minister.