Connecting the Dots

Hello Johnny,

The release of a BC Coroner’s report shows no matter how many shelters Vancouver puts up, people without stable housing are dying earlier than others. In the new issue of Megaphone out today, we connect the dots on homeless deaths.

Homelessness takes its toll: 57 people living on Metro Vancouver’s streets died between 2007 and 2010, and very few succumbed to exposure. Housing activists say much more needs to be done if we want to save vulnerable people’s lives.

Ticket to ride: Troubled by the fines homeless people get for hopping a bus or train to a shelter without fare, one group pitches an idea for free transit passes for shelter users.

Get a real poverty plan: The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition calls out the BC Liberals “Jobs Plan” for maintaining poverty and income inequality.

Also in this issue: The City of Vancouver remains mum as W2’s eviction date draws closer; North Vancouver community services notice an increase in homelessness in theIranian community; Megaphone vendor Sid Bristow talks about how poverty and racism coloured his childhood; arts listings, poetry from our writing workshops, horoscopes, and more!