By Katherine Gibson and Valerie Franklin (The Cascade/Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: November 6, 2013
Abbotsford’s homeless have taken the future of their camps into their own hands.
In association with the BC/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors (DWS), peaceful protestors have taken up residence in Jubilee Park in response to the treatment of Abbotsford’s homeless population.
Originally, the protest was meant to be only four days long. However, it has been extended indefinitely, and protesters are now intent on staying until they can work out a housing solution with the city.
The demonstrators are proposing a permanent and regulated camp for homeless individuals to reside in, based not in Jubilee Park but on privately owned land in another part of the city.
This housing model is based on a similar initiative from Portland, Oregon called Dignity Village.
Such camps do not provide a long-term home for individuals, but instead function as a type of transitional housing. Among other benefits, the camp would allow healthcare and outreach programs to connect with the homeless more easily, as well as avoid possible conflicts with neighbours and businesses.
“We’re just here to fight to get a place to call home,” Calvin says. He admires the organization of the Portland homeless camp, which features amenities like many campgrounds have.
“They have wi-fi, electricity, showers, and washrooms,” he said. “That’s what we’re fighting for.”
William, a supporter of this protest, also believes that the creation of an Abbotsford-based Dignity Village will give the local homeless population a necessary sense of safety and security.
“We need a facility here. I know it’s a matter of opinion, but wherever you stand on this issue, people are people,” he explains. “Everyone deserves to have a safe place to call home – the homeless need a place in society too.”
The severity of the homelessness situation in Abbotsford was brought to the public’s attention this summer when the City dumped chicken manure on a homeless camp located on Gladys Avenue. Homeless people’s tents were also allegedly slashed and maced by the Abbotsford police in an effort to evict them from the site. A permanent camp would help the homeless avoid conflicts like these.
Ward Draper, executive director of 5 and 2 Ministries, explains that there has been land donated for long term facilitation of these individuals.
“We have a site on 10 acre … that’s been offered by a well-known local family and business,” Draper told the Province earlier this week, although 5 and 2 has not yet officially accepted the donation.
Nothing is certain yet, but Calvin is pleased to see Abbotsford and the DWA progressing toward a solution.
“It’s starting to fall in place.”
