February 15, 2019 Carnegie Newsletter

401 Main Street Vancouver Canada V6A 2T7 (604) 665-2289 Email: carnnews@shaw.ca

Website/Catalogue:

carnegienewsletter.org

Winds of Changg A tiny seed tossed by the winds of change Existing here and there throughout the city.

One day the little seed found a home In a palmful of dirt within a crevice on the concrete.

The rains came, snow, sunshine, and more rain ...

One day a leaf burst through the cracks in the pavement.

Year after year,more rain, more snow, more sunshine The seed began to grow into a tree in an environment it really shouldn't And managed to survive as a concrete jungle grew around it, Outsmarting the laws of nature.

One can learn a lesson from this tree: To take root where it seems impossible To stand strong through the storms of life And to grow where the Creator has planted you!

Erica

- Dedicated to Jean Swanson; an Inspirational leader and activist in the DTES. -

(Framed and on Jean's office wall behind her and Laurel -

The MOMENT to "Respect, Resist and Build" Like a cold, windy and long ... g ... g ... night, the awful and macabre shadow of Europeans troops crossed the ocean. It brought with it atrocious sufferings and devastation to the beautiful heart and the soul of millions of sisters and brothers. Uncountable thefts, massacres, rapes, slaveries, exploitations, forced conversions, to name only a few, all that happened right here, on this sacred stolen land. The continent that we call America (South, Central and North) got abused and re-abused, again and again so many times b~ the euro-destroyers & other opportunists. It can be described as extinct in many areas, compared to what it looked like at origin, before the arrival ofthe colonizers.

Should we or could we talk about it without knowing the complete story? Absolutely!

It's ok not to know exactly how each event occurred or how everything took place, but it's not fine to close your eyes or ignore the pain and the suffering that happened, and still affect lots of people around you today. Hope, no matter the origin of someone, is one of the most essential ingredients for enjoying a healthy and balanced life. Can 1 even function without it? 1 think that when not believing in something that lifts me up, I can only survive. Just like a kind of zombie unable to think straight but simply capable of moving, without really living. "Sorry, but 1 wasn't even supposed to exist" some might say when they are hopeless and thinking about death as a liberation to their calvary. I can relate and understand them; 1 went through it in my own way. Are you in position to judge?

When one steals the hopes and dreams of a nation, it can have disastrous repercussions for several generations. All do not react in the same way and genes are transmitted differently from one person to another. It might affect each one in different ways, even within the same family. Kindness, empathy, generosity, fairness, justice, equality and forgiveness are some of the elements that can contribute to help a broken person learn how to start living instead of only existing. It is possible to get out of hell. "1 watch you hurt, but it's never too late to be what you might be", is what I wished someone would have told me. Never give up what you hold dear and be kind whenever possible".

Some people might say that it is always possible if you follow them. As I do not pretend to be a perfect being like they think about themselves, I believe that we have limits and to do what you can matters more than how you would want to.

No one is perfect whatever they say, do or believe. Spitting in someone's face, stepping on someone's head or talking behind someone's back because they dress different, your belief or view isn't like theirs, is not a sign of perfection. Lots of persons have put their faith in similar liars, false prophets promising paradise for whoever follows them.

This has caused the loss of so many nations. Let us not forget that these expeditions to the new worlds were supposedly guided by a so-called truth and perfection. No matter, big lies or small lies will never totally win.

Let's stand up together and hold hands while walking on a new path for a better life. Think of me like a US or a WE, no more I. Like me, you are invited to share the honour of being different and to remember that lots of people lost all they had to preserve you, that's why you are here. You are a miracle seed that grew up. Keep in mind that traumatic events of the past can still have unwanted long term effects, It's neither your fault, nor mine. Let's do our best to make ofthese parts of our history something from which we gain strength and wisdom.

Even though my family immigrated in 1655 (364 years ago), I still do not consider this land to be mine. Ifwe, immigrants (which most of us are) have a roof over our head, how much more should natives from this homeland have a comfortable place. It is unfair that some aboriginals are homeless or living in a tent during winter season and being displaced again, once in while by authorities, from their ancestral territory. We hear lots of people talking about reconciliation, but sho Idn't it start by fixing part ofthe problem once for all? I sincerely think that it is possible to provide a roof over the head of every citizen, according to their income and needs. It will not solve everything magically, but misery, wounds and suffering are usually easier to relieve when someone is dry and warm.

Know your neighbours, organize your building, watch each other's back and vote for affordable housing. Whenever you are tired of waiting after some decision makers and believe that things should be handled by people of good will, we welcome you to work hands-on with us. Everyone is welcome regardless of your age, gender, look, physical condition, skills, experience ... All that is required is you and a sincere will to build a better and more humane world.

To all the fallen sisters and brothers, rest in peace. There are no words for what or how I feel now. I'm still here, no matter what I've been through. I miss you and hope you could hug me. Help us make sure that everyone never forgets this MOMENT so that, a thousand years from now, people still do not invade territories to enrich themselves and no longer seek to seize another nation's land. Help us help your descendants to live in peace in a better and more humane world.

We're here and we shall not forget. "Respect, Resist and Build" are the words to spread.

Jo Begin

3

Two interActive workshops with with

Susan

Powell

Wednesday, February 20th in Carnegie Theatre

Reconciliation Workshop lOAM-Noon.

What is Reconciliation to me?

What can I do to participate in promoting Reconciliation in my life?

What are signs that Reconciliation is working?

, Self-Care with the Medicine Wheel 1 :30-3:30 P~1 Introduction to th~ Medicine Wheel as a way to integrate self-care practices into daily life.

Practical steps to ensure that I am, on a daily basis, "getting around" to the things that promote my well-being.

Everyone is welcome!

Susan

fowell.

Inyanskawin. is a Lak?ta Holistic Health Educator who has been

learning and teachinq about the Medicine Wheel for over 35 years.

Neighbourhood Small Grants It's that time of year! Neighbourhood Small Grants support people who want to make their communities better places to live. The program is based on a simple but powerful idea - that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. Applications open on Wednesday, February 13,2019 and closes on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.

Applying for a small grant is easy. You don't need to have any experience in community projects.

We give grants from $50 to $500 to support projects that bring people together, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of belonging and responsibility, and respect and celebrate diversity.

After you apply, your grant application is reviewed by a Neighbourhood Grants Committee ("NGC") made up of local neighbourhood volunteers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Committee members review applications and decide which projects to fund. Are you interested in sitting on the NGC? If so, let me know! Everyone is welcome. ** Our eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that Neighbourhood Small Grants support a diverse range of community-focused projects.

You must live in a participating community - check our community map here: http:// neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/communities/camegie-strathcona-ray-cam Main applicants can apply for one Neighbourhood Small Grants project per year, and only within your community. Co-applicants can only be used on two applications.

Two applicants living in the same community but from different households are required on every application. Both applicants are responsible for managing the grant money.

Your project must be free, accessible and welcoming to all. You may not charge entrance fees, request donations, or fundraise for other projects and/or organizations.

Except for community gardens, projects involving infrastructure building or upgrading or purchasing of large equipment such as computers are not eligible.

Projects involving therapy and counseling support are not eligible.

You may not profit financially from the project. Registered organizations and businesses are not eligible to apply. These grants are specifically for individuals and small volunteer-based neighbourhood / . commumty groups. .

You must begin your project after the grant decision is made. Projects are not supported retroactively.

Preference will be given to new projects, or those that have been funded for fewer than 3 years in a row.

While some projects may continue year-round, it is expected that your grant is spent by Nov 30,2019.

As in previous years, this year we have set aside a small portion of granting money to put towards two focus areas to help us deepen the impact ofNSG and reach out to diverse groups. We are particularly interested in: 1. Projects that connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to promote cross-cultural learning and understanding.

Example: commurlJty kitchens where stories offood are shared; collaborative arts and crafts workshops where participants exchange their skills and experiences.

2. Projects that are led by youth aged 18-24 and may encourage and engage more young people to participate in the program.

Example: youth-led community dialogues; youth-led neighbourhood-cleanup events that foster intergenerational connections.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? Budget Please consider the following when calculating your project budget: Grant requests are expected to be under $500.

Grant money may be used to pay people for services (also called honorariums) to help with the project. An example may be a carpenter or face painter. Total honorarium(s) may not be more than $] 00 per project.

When creating a project budget, you should determine the actual cost of items to be used, and think resourcefully about how to obtain materials through borrowing or donations.

You are responsible for keeping expense receipts to account for all project costs.

.

Public Events 5 If your project is going to take place on neighbourhood streets or public spaces/parks, please consider: Projects must follow municipal by-laws.

You must obtain appropriate permits and liability insurance prior to your project start date.

GREENEST CITY NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANTS Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants are a partnership between the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Foundation to help Vancouver become the greenest city in the world by 2020. Small Grants of up to $500 are available for residents of Vancouver to develop projects that contribute to the City ofVancouver's GREENEST CITY 2020 ACTION PLAN Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants are given to projects that meet the following goals: Reducing greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint (e.g. hosting a clothing swap) Promoting greener forms of transportation (e.g. a community map where people can draw their bicycle route to work Creating zero waste (e.g. neighbourhood based composting clinics) Improving access to nature and planting trees (e.g. a workshop on building nesting boxes for barn swallows with basic materials) Breathing clean air (e.g. host an awareness workshop about the use of renewable energy) Clean water (e.g. installing rain barrels on garden sheds in community gardens) Green buildings (e.g. host a "Do it Yourself home energy retrofit" workshop providing participants with starter materials such as window insulation kit) Growing and eating local food (e.g. pick neighbours' unused/unwanted fruit and process this as a group (e.g. make jam, fruit leather, etc.)

Before applying, please review the eligibility criteria below: You must be a resident of Vancouver. Please check our community map to see which area to submit your application under here: http://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/communities/camegie-strathcona-ray-cam Main applicants can apply for one Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants project per year, and only within your community. Co-applicants can only be used on two applications, Two applicants living in the same community but from different households are required on every application. Both applicants are responsible for managing the grant money.

Your project must be free, accessible and welcoming to all. You may not charge entrance fees, request donations, or fundraise for other projects and/or organizations.

You may not profit financially from the project. Registered organizations and businesses are not eligible to apply. These grants are specifically for individuals and small volunteer-based neighbourhood/ community groups.

You must begin your project after the grant decision is made.

Projects are not supported retroactively.

While some projects may continue year-round, it is expected that your grant is spent by Nov 30, 20]9.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? Budget Please consider the following when calculating your project budget: Grant requests are expected to be under $500.

Grant money may be used to pay people for services (also called honorariums). An honorarium is a small fee paid to someone for their in-kind skills or knowledge contributions. Examples: opening/welcome from an Indigenous Elder, or an artist sharing skills. Total honorarium(s) may not be more than $100 per project.

When creating a project budget, you should determine the actual cost of items to be used, and think resourcefully about how to obtain materials through borrowing or donations.

You are responsible for keeping expense receipts to account for all project costs.

Projects in Public Spaces If your project is going to take place on neighbourhood streets or public spaces/parks, please consider:

Projects follow municipal by-laws.

You must obtain appropriate permits and liability insurance prior to your project start date.

Projects should have support from nearby neighbours.

Projects will require professional verification (i.e. structural review be a certified professional engineer).

Updates for 2019: Projects that involve greening businesses are not eligible for Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants Projects that train, educate, and promote green focused every day practices and seek to develop skills training and community sharing will take preference over garden related projects Projects to initiate community gardens will require proof of Approval of Expression oflnterest from the City of Vancouver to be eligible for funding To apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant and I or a Greenest CityNeighbourhood Small, click here: https:llgrants. vancouverfoundation.ca

Hard copies of the applications will be available at Strathcona Community Centre, Carnegie Community Centre and RayCam! ** Board Members from Strathcona, Camegie and RayCam Community Centres may not sit on the NGC Roberta Robertson,

Co-ordinator

Muriel's Journey Poetry Prize Jenny Kwan MP Vancouver East NDP Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Critic

2572 E Hastings St Vancouver,

•BC V5K IZ3

T: 604-775-5800 F: 604-775-5811 Jenny.Kwan@parl.gc.ca

Write and submit up to 5 lively poems

by April 1. Any subject. Be outspoken.

best poem wins $100; 2 nd prize $ 50 other prizes See the Rules on Google Drive: https://tinyurl.com/yde7ovS3 or search Facebook for:

Muriels Journey Poetry Prize all submissions must be by emaiJ. Read rules first.

For people who are spending considerable time in the Downtown Eastside and want to submit as a Downtown Eastsider, Please add "DTES" in your submission email. (That means anyone living in or otherwise spending considerable time in the Downtown Eastside) _ Prizes are awarded by selected judges

7

Cheap Dates It's a common problem. You want to go out with a friend, but money is scarce. That's when Cheap Dates come to the rescue! When we were courting, my beloved and I deliberately looked for places we could visit together that would not cost us a lot of money. Here are three examples that you can try during the next two weeks: Resilience in Storytelling Wednesday, February 20, 2019 -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Vancouver Public Library -- 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver Free admission The Vancouver Writers Festival presents monthly Incite events: Captivating explorations of books and ideas. Join two authors for a conversation about their published memoirs. Darrel J. McLeod will discuss his book, Mamaskatch: A free Coming of Age, and Samra Zafar will talk about her book, A Good Wife.

Museum of Vancouver Thursday, February 28, 2019 -- 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver Admission by Donation Pay-what-you-can nights are a great way stimulate your senses without emptying your pockets. The current exhibits at the MOV include Wild Things: The Power of Nature in our Lives and Haida Now: A Visual Feat of Innovation and Tradition.

Bill Reid Gallery Friday, March 1, 2019 -- 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

639 Hornby Street, Vancouver Free admission This fabulous gallery offers a free admission day on the first Friday of every month. Also, Indigenous Peoples receive free admission whenever the gallery is open. Winter opening hours are Wednesdays to Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you have ideas for Cheap Dates that you would like to share with Carnegie Newsletter readers, please send them to me in care of the Editor. Have fun!

Sincerely, Lisa David

BC

POVERTY REDUCTION coolition Note from BC Poverty Reduction With less than two weeks until BC Budget 2019 when we hope to see big investments for the first year of the government's poverty reduction plan, we're giving a final push to let them know what will make a difference for people in poverty.

Budgets are a reflection of values, so we'll be looking for a comprehensive framework with significant spending to tackle deep poverty, including increasing income supports like welfare and disability rates and a BC child benefit.

We're using Facebook & Twitter to remind the government what they heard during their poverty reduction consultations. Their "What We Heard About Poverty in BC" report clearly d monstrates the need for an accountable, bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan. And you could send a final email at ABCplan.ca to let the government know what you want to see in the upcoming budget.

Reflecting on this past year and looking ahead to what needs to be done, our community organizer Trish wrote,

strengthen community through progressive policy change, and I urge them not to stop until everyone is out of the hole and fully included in our communities.

With this in mind here are some of the other things we are looking for in Budget 2019: *We'd like to see significant investment in creating affordable public transit across the province including funding #AIIOnBoard's recommendations offree transit for children and youth aged 0-18 and a sliding scale monthly pass system based on income. *We prepared a brief about eliminating stupid rules and changing service delivery to meet the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's goal of providing accessible, effective and dignifying income and disability assistance. The brief was prepared with Raise the Rates, Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods, the Richmond Poverty Response Committee Together Against Poverty Society, West Coast LEAF and UFCW 1518.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives compiled five key investments that could set the Poverty Reduction Strategy up for success. (ccpa.ca) The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition & many of our member groups made submissions to the BC budget consultations in the fall. Our submission was referenced several times in the bipartisan budget committee's report. We've gathered these references as well as all of our Member's submissions on our website.

We'll be in the budget lock-up on February 19th hearing directly from government, so we'll be back in touch that afternoon. Keeping our fingers crossed for good news!

Sincerely,

"It's no secret that I've been critical of the time it takes to Trish, Viveca, Christine, and Omar BC Poverty Reduction Coalition¡ Canada build, and I will continue to be critical while people are living in the depths of poverty in B.C., but I acknowledge that it is harder to build good, long-lasting public services than it is to destroy them ...

So I welcome a government that is attempting to

CARNEGIE COlv'1['v1Ui\llTYACTION PRO] FEBRUARY

2019

CCAP has our eyes on the ground at Oppenheimer Park. With a record-breaking 50 tents on February 9, and an average of over 48 tents per night in February, it is evident that even in this frigid weather, people have nowhere else to go.

What's happening with the Roddan Lodge and the 44?

The Roddan Lodge was a part of a trio of seniors' lodges in the Downtown Eastside (Roddan, Oppenheimer and Antoinette Lodges) with deep affordability and rents as low as $150 per unit. The old Roddan Lodge was demolished last year, and the newly-built Roddan Lodge will include the community kitchen and dining facilities of the Evelyne Sailer Centre (the 44) in an 11-story, 217 -unit building .

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Mayor Kennedy Stewart is quoted as saying, "Roddan Lodge will create new homes for hundreds of people in the Downtown Eastside where housing is so needed.". But in fact, the building has a net loss of 16 affordable units and also includes rentals of $800 and upwards, that are out of range for most DTES residents.

The need for pension rate housing for seniors' in the DTES is clear: 23% of homeless people in the DTES are currently over the age of 55. Yet, this building reduces the overall number of affordable units, and increases the gentrifying impacts of market-rate housing in an area that is already seeing high-end restaurants and coffee shops move in.

CCAP will continue to provide updates on the new home of the 44 and Roddan Lodge.

Modular Shelters - Dream or Nightmare?

By EIIi Taylor The buzzword of the non-profit housing world is that of temporary modular housing, or temporary housing structures that may be moved after a certain number of years. The Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA) states, "Temporary modular housing utilizes pre-fabricated modular construction in a factory to allow for rapid assembly of housing units on site that can be relocated at a future date as required. The temporary modular housing currently being developed in Vancouver will be in place for up to five years, with the possibility to extend an additional five years on each site." . For many, modular housing is a dream home. But their very design and construction means that there are both positive and negative aspects to temporary modular housing.

Because the modular units are designed to be moved, this can mean uprooting people from the only home they know after a short number of years. Modular housing can be scattered around the city, moving residents from the DTES into areas with less access to services and social supports, and where they may feel isolated. Modular housing is usually "supportive housing" which doesn't always allow autonomy or freedom, such as through limiting overnight guests or requiring guests to show ID. Imagine how dehumanizing this can be.

On the positive side, modulars are filling a much-needed QUICK solution to the homelessness and housing crisis in Vancouver and the DTES. According to VAHA, "they can be built in 50 per cent less time than a traditionally constructed building". These units may offer housing to those who are harder to house, or those who might benefit from supportive housing. Community groups can also be part of a project - for example, the new modular housing at Union and Gore is being operated by Portland Hotel Society with a community advisory ct>mmittee that includes the Hogan's Alley Society. And although it's referred to as "temporary", the housing can be built with a foundation to make it permanent - offering greater stability and housing security for low-income residents.

However, the debate continues as more modulars are built and rented, and the effect of this will be known in the future. As with all other developments in the housing world, we will see the proof "in the pudding".

Crisis in Oppenheimer Park Freezing temperatures and snow over the first two weeks of February haven't decreased the number of campers in Oppenheimer Park - in fact, they've increased. CCAP counted an average of 48 tents per day over the last three days. Each tent houses 2-3 people, for a total of 80-100 cold-weather campers.

Federal, provincial and city housing policies, austerity and inaction over the past decades has caused a housing crisis that has displaced the most vulnerable, hard to house, under-employed and newcomers. CCAP is calling on Vancouver mayor and council, and the province, to provide a safe indoor space, heat, hygiene and shelter for the campers, and is demanding that all levels of government invest in permanent, 'lonq-term affordable housing for all.

John and Jessica (not their real names) have been camping for weeks. "It's hard on you mentally, emotionally and physically," says Jessica. They pool their money and buy meal tickets at Evelyne Sailer so they can have at least one meal per day. The rest of the time, they line up for free meals where they can. When the washrooms close at the park at 5 pm, they have to walk for blocks to reach a washroom. Two nights ago, John had a fall and broke his glasses and sustained a gash on his forehead. They are tired of wet blankets and clothing. Their air mattress is too small for two, and cumbersome for their tiny tent so they are sleeping on the ground. John was offered a bed at Triage emergency shelter, but he doesn't want to leave Jessica alone and vulnerable in the park, so he declined it.

The challenges of living in the park are many: •

•

•

•

•

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Raids and clean-ups are conducted by the city on a daily basis. Sometimes staff are nice, and sometimes they're not. Tenters have had racial insults and disrespect hurled at them, and tents and belongings thrown away.

Campers can't leave their tents and things unattended, because they will be removed and destroyed The elderly, vulnerable and those with chronic illness like COPD or asthma are more susceptible to illriess exacerbated by cold - pneumonia, lung infections, bronchitis. There are reports of pneumonia and other illnesses.

Washrooms close at 5 pm, and the next closest washrooms are blocks away, and often not available overnight With rain and snow, everything is wet and damp, contributing to the cold, as well as condensation and dampness inside tents Candles and fires are effective for warming, but dangerous and could trigger crack-downs from city staff

,

Shelters, emergency shelters and warming centres are not an option for many campers. Shelters are usually full, and leaving tents and belongings means risking having them destroyed by city staff. Couples, pets and shopping carts may not be permitted. Campers say that shelters are violent, pest-infested and restrictive. There is really, nowhere left to go.

Oppenheimer Park is considered unceded traditional territory of the Tsleil Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish First Nations. The park has been a safe haven, and hub, for the social justice world. People organize and use this space to be politically active, or to make a stand about issues such as homelessness. They often gather at free, or lowcost, community events. It's on unceded terriroty The whole park has the OTES hometown feel and the potential for true change.

CCAP encourages readers to write a letter to BC Housing (Suite 1701-4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8) or contact city hall at 311 or the mayor's office kennedy.stewart@vancouver.ca to ask them to house the tenters or provide warmth and safety.

CCAP has been conducting daily counts of tents since the beginning of February. The recent average is 48 tents per night.

Mental illness is not the problem, it's a symptom.

By Erica Grant

Homelessness is an ongoing issue in the DTES and everywhere else for that matter. It's like a plague that keeps growing and will never be eradicated until the City Council, BC Premier and our local MLAs put their damn heads together and see it for what it is and end it!

What is it? Human beings wanting a home somewhere out of the elements, human beings being deprived of basic necessity then expected to find a job. To get decent housing you need to have a job, you can't get a job unless you have a home. It's a game of Catch 22. (Actually, this is reconciliation, right Canada?!). Why not call a State of Emergency? People are dying on the doorsteps of our elected officials and they are turning a blind eye.

What is it going to take?

I hear from people outside of the DTES that say, "oh don't bother with them, they became homeless because they would rather feed their addiction, then mental illness sets in and now they want our help. Not the case! I spoke to a person from the street who told me, "I have never had mental health issues until I became homeless." I can attest to this.

I was homeless for a year and a half, sleeping in Strathcona Gardens, going from shelter to shelter always hoping and believing that by the end of the day my belongings would still be where I put them (in a tree, neatly stowed and not in plain sight). Instead I found them in a garbage can shredded. This happened not once, twice, but three times. I'd watched the Parks Board rangers and VPD do that to so many it was only obvious my time would come. I had to renew my ID, get another year bus pass and gather bedding and my partner and I began to sleep in cardboard boxes. It is absolutely dehumanizing.

What have I done wrong to deserve this treatment that have they done?!

Now imagine sleeping outside, waking and packing before the VPD and park people arrive, walking the pavement from dawn to dusk hoping today will be the DAY. But it's another day of food line-ups and shower line-ups when all you want is four walls around you to call home (however meagre it is) and a bed to call your own.

Mental illness is not the problem, it's a symptom. A symptom of a homeless person who is sef-medicatinq with alcohol and drugs to mask the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

The next homeless individual could very well be you, your spouse, or your children. It's not contagious and there is no preventative medication for it. It's time for this to come to a halt! Let's end the stigma and concentrate on pushing all levels of government until they find a solution and follow through with their plan. It's time to link arms with our fellowman.

Erica's story Housing activist Erica Grant became a member of the Camegie Community Action Project because she was tired of being homeless.

Living on the street for a year and a half, she was accustomed to having to carefully pack and hide her tent, blankets, clothing and belongings every moming, while she and her partner went to the Camegie Centre to play cards or go to the library. One day in February 2017, she retumed to where her belongings had been carefully hidden in a tree, to find that everything had been hacked into pieces and then shredded by the park board. When she came into the Camegie that day, she was near tears.

Noticing a poster on the board at Camegie Centre about a meeting to discuss housing, she and her partner burst into the Camegie Community Action Group meeting. Erica wasn't sure whether speakers were going around the room, and when was her tum to speak. When the last person spoke, she stood up and told the group everything that was happening to them. Going from shelter to shelter, her frustration at losing her belongings. She told the CCAP members, "I just want a home, I want somewhere to sleep and for my stuff and me to be safe." She didn't know there was an agenda, and nobody told her to be quiet.

Jean Swanson asked her to come in to the CCAP office after the meeting. Jean typed a letter and sent it to everyone she knew and told Erica she would be in touch if she found something. Erica heard back from Jean that same day. Jean had got a letter saying there was space in the Savoy Hotel. Unfortunately, the person who lived there was murdered right outside of his door. She called back and was told they had a viewing. Currently, Erica is still living at the Savoy.

She is so thankful for Jean and Jean has become a close friend. Ever since, Erica has been coming to CCAP meetings.

She knows now there is an order to everything and an agenda for meetings, but she is happy that CCAP listened. Everyone has been great to her, and CCAP is a great bunch to work with. ' Through her work with CCAP and advocating for herself and her partner, Erica became an articulate media spokesperson and advocate. When her partner moved into the Murray Hotel, there were wires sticking out of the walls, a cast iron stove that he was asked to move, and thousands of bed bugs on the floor. They took his rent and damage deposit. Erica advised him to demand back his damage deposit and rent. She sent letters and photos to then-premier Christy Clark and Vancouver city council. They wouldn't give the damage deposit back but gave back the rent. Wendy Pederson at the SRO Collaborative caught wind that Erica was successfully advocating for herself and others and wanted her on board with her. That's how she ended up being part of the Right to Remain.

The Right to Remain project collects the stories of the past to lea m how to walk in the future. Erica says it's called Right to Remain because people have a right to a home in the DTES, not a tiny room to share with rats. Erica is collecting stories from tenants, so that the same mistakes don't keep getting repeated. Some of the stories are horrible. The Right to Remain validates their experience.

Erica has a passion for the homeless. It's close to home for her, because two of her children are homeless. One of her sons lives in a building that should be tom down. Another son lives with a girlfriend who uses a wheelchair in a building where the elevator breaks down at least once a month for a week at a time. She is stuck on the 6th floor until they fix the elevator.

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The Carnegie Community Action Project is a project of the board of the Carnegie Community Centre Association.

CCAP works mostly on housing, income, and land use issues in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), so that the area can remain a low income friendly community.

CCAP works with English-speaking and Chinese-speaking DTES residents in speaking out on their own behalf for the changes they would like to see in their neighbourhood.

Join us on Fridays 11: 15 am in classroom 2 on the third floor of the Carnegie Centre for our weekly volunteer

Join the

Carnegie Community Action Project

meetings!

Downtown Eastside residents who want to work on getting better housing and incomes and stop gentrification are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided.

'@A1iJ~~.n:E~g I CHINATOWN

CONCERN GROUP

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CONTACT US: Office: 2nd floor of the Carnegie.

401 Main Street. Vancouver Phone: 604-665-2105 Email: info@carnegieaction.org Website: www.carnegieaction.org

Thank you to Vancity for supporting CCAP's work. Support for this project does not necessarily imply that funders endorse the findings or contents ofthis report.

Delirium Tremens The ship crosses the Pacific into purgatory, from a distance it looks like someone has taken a photograph with the DTs. Up close-you don't want to know, else you'd be sitting beside me.

Perhaps doing a crossword, perhaps writing letters of apology, never to be sent or read. Perhaps asking, why not the Atlantic?

So I tell you about the last sailing trip I took.

And I think I may have been the one who took the photograph.

And you are actually sitting beside me, telling mehomelessness looked better in the movies.

Everything looks better from far away.

Especially when it's too blurry to tell if it's lost or found, heaven or hell.

Every movie filmed in Vancouver is pretending to be elsewhere.

The Pacific is full of itself.

I had a teacher who said writing is like Vancouver, people don't run to it but away from everything else.

In here that's true, true as running to the Pacific only to realize you ought to be swimming instead.

But who needs another poem on Vancouver?

The Pacific should get over herself. {This is from a file called MRl. If that's you let me know. Ed.]

Purgatory is a long word and vowels are expensive, especially in Vancouver where nobody can afford to live but those who belong in hell.

(Sigh!) • I'm bored

Nobody runs to Newfoundland.

GOD!

I know what GOD! I'll do something constructive!

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But everyone writes letters to Vancouver and nobody=back to where they came from.

That land was found before you could write.

Everywhere is Vancouver when your ship has sailed without you.

But who needs another poem on Vancouver?

When Vancouver was found it was lost.

Vancouver has been in the lost and found bin for a long time now.

You have been in the library discard pile, looking up maps from Columbus and fighting off the shakes you promise me came directly from hell.

Ev /

l'l

From far away it looks like a nice trip, its dizziness making waves on the letters you always meant to write.

0;

ll------'(f~~~ H Ma in By Rick Nordal ~~--------~ S t Constructively boring!

My child, go forth unto thy neighborhood and pick up all thy dog droppings that thou may find!

GOD, how about something ...

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Doyou have some free time?

Ever thought of VOLUNTEERING?

Carnegie has a fun and rewarding Volunteer Program with a wide variety of opportunities!

Kitchen: . ~

Food Prep, Serving, Dishwashing, Baking,

C~..)(( ~ cl

Seniors' Coffee Seller Cashier and lounge monitor.

Runner, and Sandwich Make •.

Pool Room Monitor Check memberships and monitor use.

Reception - Monitor free phone and ticket distribution.

' ~ ..

Cl1g . Pla.nt.

Care

computer Room Monitor Check memberships, maintain wait list and monitor computer use.

Weight Room Monitor Check memberships and ensure safe environment.

Adult Learning Centre One on one tutoring, computer tutor and reception positions.

Special Events Dances, music, karaoke, opera, theatre, and more! Help with setting up and taking down tables and chairs, monitoring the door etc.

Attend an Information Session Monday or Saturday at 2:30 pm (3rd floor). Camegie Community Centre @401 Main St. Call in the moming to confirm: 604-606-2708 CamegieVolunteerProgram@Vancouver.ca

Guard Your Heart - Set Healthy Boundaries -

The Rich and Poor

We are all part of nature wherein there are helpmates and there are predators.

Which do we let into our den? into our heart?

jealousy is like a gaping wound.

It comes up again. gasping for air

There's a yes and a no to surviving beautifully each day and helping others do the same.

What do you have to be jealous of?

You don't allow a snake in not even in the rain ...

You say No.

You have everything.

The problem is that sometimes we are deceived the snake's wearing a bunny suit with a Santa Claus hat pause a moment and listen to your gut this will be the key that'lI get you out of any rut.

We're given instinct for a reason and our gut is our 2nd brain so we're to keep it healthy.

- Inga g.

I'm very happy to share that we've filled the regular full time position of Community Activities Coordinator at Oppenheimer Park. Lily Cheung, who has been acting in the position for several months, is the successful candidate. ffective immediately, Lily will be leading the Park in this role Wednesdays through Saturdays.

She brings diverse experiences in art, recreation and cultural programming, including having won awards for excellence in programming. Lily is trilingual fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin - and is looking forward to continuing to develop inclusive, multi cultural programming at the Park.

Lily's compassion, creativity and enthusiasm make her a great asset to our team and community. Please join me in congratulating Lily!

Ellen Kim I Community Programmer Oppenheimer Park I City of Vancouver

Your white.

But then I think how untrue and I am a gaping wound Ruby Diamond

My Life on the Farm I was fifteen when I was taken by the Ministry. I was taken from the city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and sent to Paddockwood, about 100 miles south of the city. They picked me up from my home, my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Ian Fletcher's home. I had a happy childhood with the Fletchers; they had two sons and one daughter. They were babies and I would help take care of my cousins and babysit.

When the Ministry took me away at the age of fifteen I was placed with Mr and Mrs Turley at their farm near Paddockwood. The Turleys had two daughters and one son. They forced us to do child labour. At 6am we had to milk the cows, plus we had to separate the milk. We had to cut wood. We had to bring in snow. I had to feed all the pigs at the Turley farm. I did this everyday with four other Indigenous girls. They also worked hard.

In the summertime we had to bring in the stones, large rocks on a pallet and into the farm. We had to collect the wheat from the farm and this was very hard work. I didn't feel much emotionally. I just felt that I had to do what they told me to do.

I had to do all this work every day before school, and after school there was more work for us to do.

I didn't like Mr and Mrs Turley. They were very demanding.

Marlene Wuttunee

"The Heat That Emanates from The Heart"

I • I

Ethan is a restless, exciting, camp-fire. Falling deeply in. love with the overwhelming scent of the scorching, red-hot, camp-fire wood, and how the crisp red and orange flames coddle the perfect thin air the flames breathe. The flames happily dance on top of the burning wood with such desire, just how his soul dances on his heart.

The passionate flicker oflight cascades into the depth of the shadows on the ground, knowing the warmth will always be there to console you when you need it, no matter what. The sparkles I see every night are just the bright flames mirroring back into his glossy, perfect, brown eyes. They burn with passion, like chips of charcoal full of life and ideas, goals and beauty, curiosity and drive. The space of a spark away from igniting the aggressive, red-hot, embers. I remember how the flames first held my everlasting attention. Strong and powerful with a lot of meaning behind each and every one of those haunting flames. The fire is warm, free spirited, comforting, calming and bright. Sometimes the heat that emanates from the blazing, colourful, fire can be overwhelming at most, but you learn to tolerate its impressive amount of blazing heat. You just indulge in the warmth and good feelings you get from sitting around the great amount of intense heat, failing to recall your worries, stress, troubles and responsibilities in life. The gentle fiery flames are delicate but strong, wise and courageous. On your last piece of blackened and burnt camp-fire wood, the blazing, bright fire will start to die out, leaving you in the chilling cold and in the blood-curdling darkness of your worrying and menacing mind.

Ethan is a restless, exciting, camp-fire.

Dominique Reid

Three-!

3 years ago today, I listed every aspect of myself that I hated on the left of my note book and everything I liked on the right. The ratio of hatred to acceptance was a close tie of34 to 2. There was nothing inside of me worth expanding on. All of my answers were one-worded and bland. Plain, because I wasn't that much of a mystery. Simple, because I was anything but. And truthful, because if! was going to write about the reasons I shouldn't exist they'll always be painfully honest.

3 months ago today, I found this sheet of paper shoved under last years' homework. I read over it about 5 times before I laughed. 10 minutes of laughing and questioning where I was when I wrote this led me to smoothing out the wrinkles. Being careful not to smear the writing, even though I knew it had been dry for a long time, I left It on my desk. That way I could wake up every morning fresh faced to see myself written down.in less than 50 words. I knew it wouldn't pass as a college essay but when the prompt asks, "Who I am" and "Where I've been" I was afraid those words would be all that's left to say.

3 weeks ago today, I thought about burning the edge of the paper and watching as each of my attempts towards wholeness turned to ash. My fingers stained until I washed off the black parts of my skin that never seem to fade away. Scrubbing relentlessly at the burning sensation of failure, before my skin screams red, assures me I ripped apart any inch of flesh that still saw me as useless.

3 days ago, I shred my last piece of self doubt. Spreading the torn words across my floor, I stood above them, finally looking down in disappointment. Below me I wouldn't see them written across my mirror asking, "Are you sure?". Below me I knew they would always catch my tears, but they would never watch them fall. Below me they remained below me.

Today when the prompt asks me who I am, I'll say "healed", and when it asks me where I've been, I'll say "3 years ago ... Today!'

Dominique Reid

Community Ambassadors Offer Peerto-Peer Support in Digital Literacy Jamie Hillman - Community Based Digital Literacy Assistant If you are struggling with your phone, computer, or any other form of technology, consider stopping by a tech cafe. In collaboration with the Downtown Eastside Literacy Roundtable and the UBC Learning Exchange, as well as the Vancouver Public Library, Neca?mat branch, our pop-up tech cafes take place in a variety of community settings throughout the Down town Eastside. We offer assistance, free of charge, for individuals who may be experiencing challenges with their electronic devices. We can offer support in a variety of ways such as: sending emails. using social media, connecting to Wi-Fi, updating phone and computer settings, managing files and photos, filing taxes, and many other basic to advanced skills. Additionally, we also provide laptops for shared use if you require access to the Internet, or any word processing applications. Our team consists of UBC students, ambassadors from within the community, and other volunteers to offer peer-to-peer support. We would like to acknowledge that our cafes are made possible by the support of Carnegie. If we are unable to answer your query, we would be more than happy to refer you to another source for further help.

Another one of our initiatives we would like to enjcourage is LinkVan.ca. This website database provides up-to-date information about a variety of services offered in the Downtown Eastside community including: shelter availability, food services, medical support, hygiene, technology, and legal supports.

There is also a compilation of crisis lines available on the site. Accessible through desktop or mobile browsers, the website is simple to navigate, and is continually updated to provide accurate information. We also include extreme weather warnings and other emergency notifications. Please visit LinkVan.ca for more information or stop by one of our tech cafes; we would be happy to work with you.

If you are interested in attending a drop-in tech cafe, the locations and times are as follows: The Carnegie, 3rd Floor - Tuesdays 10:30·12:30, EastSide Works, 57 E Hastings - Thursdays 1:00·3:30, Oppenheimer Park, Field House - Fridays 10:30·12:30, WISH, 334 Alexander street- monthly.

From the LibrarY It's about that time for another deadline-day panic column - also known as a 'grab whatever good books I can find off the new books shelf column.

Fortunately, we have some good books on the new books shelf. Here's four that look fun: Road Map for Revolutionaries by Page, Gerin, and Wilson is a concise, well-designed, and highly informative guidebook for anyone wanting to enact social change through activism. It's written by Americans, and focuses largely on the American context, but there's lots of great takeaway information that's great for any context - everything from spotting fake news (real fake news, not Trump's version of fake news, which is mostly real news), to protecting one's privacy online.

Lucid Dreaming Made Easy by Charlie Morley. I'll be honest here, I'm always a little skeptical of anything 'made easy', but on the other hand Lucid Dreaming sounds fun. Or maybe also a bit terrifying.

Let's say potentially fun.

Nobody, not even-economists, understands Economics. At leastthat's what I'm inclined to believe sometimes (most of the time). Tejvan Pettinger's The Economics Bible mayor may not help with this. It is at the very least well illustrated and concise. On the other hand, the author bio does state that he "lives and works as a teacher in Oxford" - which has me raising at least one eyebrow.

Busted: an Illustrated History of Drug Prohibition in Canada by Susan Boyd, who some may recognize as one of the co-authors of Raise Shit!: Social Action Saving Lives. While not as directly activist in its tone as Raise Shit! it's clearly meant to demonstrate, through charting it's history, how prohibitionbased policy has failed in Canada. It's also really well illustrated and full of fascinating information.

Don't forget, we'll be screening a film for Black History Month on February 27th. Join us in the Theatre at 6:30 for Mighty Jerome, a documentary about Harry Jerome, Canada's greatest Track and Field athlete (and a North Vancouverite), and his comeback from a potentially career ending injury.

Enjoy!

Randy

Locals Refuse to Budge Dear Editor June 17/'75 .

On Monday, June 14, 1975, I was sitting on the stairs in Blood Alley Square about 1pm or so when one of the local merchants went by, stopped, and said, "why don't you take yourself and your filthy clothes and ****ofÂŁ1" I had words with him once before when they were building their store. I was told then, in unfriendly terms, to ****off! Let me just say that I spoke back to them in the terms used. Nothing more.

At this time another man appeared, and said, "You're going to fight both of us." They attacked first, and I got beaten. It had definitely been planned. For some time as I sit in this spot quite a lot, there has been pressure for a couple of years to remove local residents, who have lived here for many years. Many of us, myself included, have grown quite used to the area, and like it. Many of us are absolutely determined to stay, despite frequent stoppings and warnings by police. Note that tourists are free to sit down, anywhere and anytime. This is a deplorable, lopside~ situation . which can't go on. I would ask for some kmd ofpubhc indulgence in this matter. After all, live and let live!

Right!

P.S,: I have lived here for six and a half years, long before the arrival of [these] merchants Signed - Not Going Nowhere Greg Douglas (Someone saw this in an old DERA or Van East paper and sent it out on social media. Ed.)

Wonder Of Wonders - Lisa and I are having our 21 st wedding anniversary on Feb 21. lt had never entered my mind until I was 44 or so (really!) so I asked her and she said yes(! !). I wasn't expecting that. .. didn't say 10 words for the next 2 days.

Being with someone you love is very strange - you start doing things like thinking of what they want or like or need before making a decision on, well. almost everything. It can mess up your whole way of life!

And the fussing!!! I asked an old man from Taiwan whom had befriended me. His English was okay but he was fascinated with sayings and expressions that we have that can't be translated. You know, like "oh man", "no shit", "what a hoser" ... even CU (see you). Anyway he had a crusty old cronie (his wife) who didn't speak a word ofEnglish but she and Lisa used to conspire about us in terms of fussing so I asked Sheng how to say fuss in Cantonese to see if we could work out some kind of common defense, you know.

Didn't matter. Wei wasn't going to change and she kept teaching Lisa by example. It can make a grown man mutter.

Being married is nice. Being with someone who can easily be labelled your "better half' by you with a smile - makes living life together worth it.

Paul PS: Lisaread this and says Wei was a 'sweetie', not a cronie. (oh man ... )

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We acknowledge that Carnegie Community Centre, and this Newsletter, are occurring on Coast Salish Territory.

401 Main Street Vancouver

ca-eca

V6A. 2T7 (604) 665-2289

THIS NEWSLETTER IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CARNEGIE COMMUNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION Articles represent the views of individual contributors and not of the Association.

WANTED Artwork for the Carnegie Newsletter -Small illustrations to accompany articles and poetry.

-Cover art - Max size: 17cm(6 %")wide x 15cm(6")high.

-Subject matter pertaining to issues relevant to the Downtown Eastside, but all work considered.

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-Size restrictions apply (i.e. if your piece is too large, it will be reduced and/or cropped to fit).

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-Remuneration: Carnegie Volunteer Tickets Please make submissions to Paul Taylor, Editor.

The editor can edit for clarity, format & brevity, but not at the expense of the writer's message.

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WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION • •

AIDS POVERTY

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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

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TOT ALlT AR AN CAPITALISM

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IGNORANCE and SUSTAINED FEAR

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