The Covid-19 pandemic has fully arrived and citizens worldwide are facing catastrophic consequences. Among those who have lost their lives, their jobs, their loved ones, and any sense of stability, there is one group that continues to face unimaginable circumstances: the homeless community.
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), the poorest postal code in Canada, is home to more than 3000 homeless residents and 7000 low-income residents who live in social housing units. The living conditions for the homeless are harsh and extremely dense, making them increasingly susceptible to deadly viruses. The homeless live in cramped tents on the streets and parks and lack access to adequate toilets and sanitation centers. While governments issue health warnings to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the homeless population continues to be excluded from the conversation. If these individuals get infected, it would be difficult to keep them isolated and maintain social distance; thus, this group needs special care from governments and community organizations.
For the safety of the public and the 3000+ homeless individuals living in the DTES, the LLCS sincerely requests that the governments and media bring awareness to their living conditions and take special care of them. This includes providing them with adequate shelter and relief supplies, access to hygienic toilets and sanitation stations, and resources to teach them the importance of social distancing, hand washing, and other virus prevention knowledge.
Let us all work together to minimize the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our community and let’s work to create a safer, healthier, and happier home for the people of the Greater Vancouver community.