June 1, 2007, carnegie newsletter

FREE

JUNE 1, 2007 •

parn.n.~w.s@vcn. be. c~­

www.carnnews.org 604-665-2289

STARTS @ DTES WOMEN'S CENTRE (302 Columbia, comer Cordova) join women in the downtown eastside to demand housing now!

This march is also being organized in solidarity with our sisters in the Women Against Poverty Collective in Toronto, who on June 3 are organizing a housing takeover in Toronto to draw attention to the links between safe housing and women's ability to live free from violence. We are joining together from Toronto to Vancouver to demand that safe, longterm affordable housing for women be made available immediately!

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According to the 2005 GVRD Homelessness Count, there has been an increase of 60% in the number of homeless women since the 2002 Count, with shelter beds available for no more than 50% of homeless women. Cuts to income assistance, legal aid, women's centres, attacks on women's advocacy and support services, the lack of childcare support, rising costs of living and housing, and low-income work all have had devastating impacts on women. Overall, the number of homeless people has doubled to approximately 2,174 people in 2005. It is estimated that the rate of rapid gentrification leading to the Olympics will triple the number of homeless in Vancouver.

ORGANIZED BY POWER OF WOMEN PROJECT. For more information, contact us at DEWC 604-681-8480 x 234 or email us at project@dewc.ca.

Jenny Kwan's speech to the BC. Legislature In my riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant the Four Sisters Housing Co-op just celebrated their 20th anniversary. Four Sisters Co-op originated as a response to lobbying for housing and for dealing with the impacts ofExpo 86. 150 units ofhousing were allocated for the Downtown Eastside, with 50 units each meant for First United Church, DERA and the Chinese Benevolent Association.

First United Church and the Chinese Benevolent Association gave their units to DERA to ensure speedy development and construction. The developer of the project was Randy Cook, Tri-West Development, and the architectural firm ofYuen Davidson Simpson. Jim O'Dea and Jim Green were the housing resource people for the project, and the first board president was Terry Hanley.

The Four Sisters was a controversial project for two basic reasons. There was a belief low-income people could not operate low-income housing and another that families shouldn't be located in the downtown east side. The provincial government at that time [Socred (Liberals) ]did not support any social housing, and CMHC, the federal government funder for the project, came to Vancouver to actually speak against rezoning Four Sisters because of the family component in the project.

Women, children, seniors, singles and professionals came together and fought for their vision. They stood shoulder to shoulder in support of each other.

Since these early days, Four Sisters has been recognized by the United Nations Populations Fund as one of the best housing models for women and children. Four Sisters has received the Architectural Institute of RC. award of merit for its architecture, and the Urban Development Institute has recognized it for urban planning.

After 20 years of operation, Four Sisters proves that low-income people are quite capable of running a major housing project. All urban planners now recognize that the downtown core, when housing is properly organized and managed, is a wonderful place for mothers, children and families I ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing the ~Oth anniversary of the Four Sisters Housing Co-op.

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Letter to the Editor: Now that the provincial government has chosen to g ive MLAs a 29% pay increase, we should take a closer look at other groups that really need an increase in pay. Minimum wage workers now earn $8 an hour. If their pay were increased by 29% their new rate would be $ 10.32 an hour. Coincidentally, that new minimum wage would put a full-time worker almost at the current poverty line for a single person. Surely, the government must now heed those calling for a $1 0 minimum wage, indexed to inflation.

Consider also that a single welfare recipient in the "expected to work" category currently receives about $7,700 per year, while those who are disabled receive about $11,300. Compare these amounts to the $21,900 salary boost the government is giving to MLAs. Surely if the government can justify giving such a large increase to MLAs, it should recognize that there is also a need to increase welfare payments by a significant amount.

Raising welfare rates and minimum wages would relieve much hardship and go a long way towards fighting poverty. In the context of MLA pay hikes there is an increased expectation that those in much great.er need should get the attention they deserve.

Stuart Murray, Researcher Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (BC Off)

Have you recently been denied CPP Disability?

If so we can help you appeal.

Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) has several advantages over provincial disability benefits.

For one-on-one assistance with CPPD appeals, tribunals and Pension Appeals Board cases, please contact us. We are the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities: Toll-Free 1-800-663-1278 • Local Tel: (604) 872-1278 Hearing Impaired: (604 875-8835

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SPEAK OUT! PUBLIC FORUM Tuesday, May 22 7-9:00pm •

First United Church 320 E Hastings Mavor Sam Sullivan wants to tackle crime. oublic disorder and social issues via his Project Civil City initiative. But there's a problem. It targets our most vulnerable residents.

Sullivan's CwwCLty P~s a thinly disguised way to forcibly remove the poorest and most vulnerable people from Vancouver. The above meeting happened with a roast of this bigoted, classist crap. Following are missives from a handful of residents who have actually thought about the term 'civil'.

told to believe about ourselves.

It may be very helpful to inject some fun into life - smiles and laughter are lubricants for the soul. I attended a 3-day seminar in Surrey while still active in my addiction. A retired radio personality who was there- he'd worked with 'Fred & Cathy' on their early morning show - was inM strumental in my seeking treatment. Listening to him was like being at a motivational seminar by Anthony Robbins (though not as theatrical).

The message was one of goodness to oneself and ~o each other, setting goals, breaking small steps mto smaller steps so that it didn't become overwhelming.

So a suggested small step for you [Mayor Sam Sullivan and Council] is to have a one-day camp for staff (and you guys), each armed with a big Hello name tag and a smile, being positive and shaking hands, then drawing names for what welfare office each would go to listen to people's concerns... just listening and being realistically • • postttve.

T~is c?uld ~park participation in a pilot project of tdenttficatton ... or maybe validation is the word I should use. I would be curious to see the result of what a little sharing of the human spirit may yield.

Todd (a person participating in a 4 pillars project for the experience of life. ~at Tradeworks)

Idea of a Civil City Start with a media address of kindness toward each other as fellow human beings and a challenge from within City Hall to lead by example.

Pilot projects as well as Job Clubs with participation mandatory Gust as job clubs are for receiving income assistance benefits).

I would love to see the resulting change in the community, regardless of the area in Vancouver and its cultural diversity. By bringing recipients together to introduce themselves to each other just to shake hands; maybe this could be the start of members of our society being part of it rather than outcasts or other stereotypical beliefs that we are

How Civil...

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I am part of a class based in downtown Vancouver. Each day we have lively discussions pertaining to our personal goals and recovery. Every one of us has acknowledged that recovery and spirituality is very important to each of us and the ones we love.

Today I asked my fellow classmat~s to consider the concept of a civil city. Between the four of us we created a list of indicators of civility: respect which is taking the time to validate another person's life experience, honest understanding, patience and good listening skills, open-mindedness,

willingness to accept differences and believe in change, and commitment.

We agreed that civility relies on agreement on what needs to be done, not primarily on enforcement. We don't believe that laws that increase an individual's vulnerability have, place in a civil city. Civility and leadership should start at the top, at City Hall. One classmate described the principles from a book called The Four Agreements that could guide those who want to make a difference: the use of impeccable words, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best.

We see the Four Pillars Approach as a good start toward creating a civil society because it deals with people as individuals. This is probably why it has helped people make the transition from addiction and crime into a more productive life.

I look forward to reading and hearing of the many positive measures council will take to make Van couver an even more pleasant city than it is.

Respectfully, Patti Kelly

Civil City !

One of the easiest civil societies for me to imagine is a small village with intimate ties between the inhabitants. To imagine a modem city with its inherent differences between multiple groups without continuous or even recent ties is a little more difficult.

I don't believe anyone l know could be a sole architect of a civil society but, having just discussed the matter with a small group of people with disparate life experiences and backgrounds.

I do believe it can be accomplished.

Creating the model (coming up with a list of qualities which would enable a civil society to exist) would be possible by any meeting of dedicated groups. The real problem is to come up with effective measures and incentives which would enable and encourage majority participation and perpetuation of the model designed.

We must use the tools of honest communication between segments of that society and institute a real enthusiasm (desire) in the general public.

The first qualification that comes to mind is introspective analysis of the difficult problems with which we must contend.

There must be a genuine communication of intent and a commitment to allow no disenfranchisement of any group or section of society. The end result of a lack of commitment to this principle is a planting of seeds of discord. No society can consider itself civil until all that can be done to raise the level of wellbeing for the least fortunate of us is accomplished.

Everyone is both a have and have not individual and these abilities and needs must be revealed for all to see.

Without a genuine desire for civility in all sections and groups of society this goal will take far too long if not be rendered impossible.

Bedbug Town Hall Vancouver Public Library Central Branch Alice Mackay Room

Monday June 25th

6:00-9:00 pm.

Keynote & Panel (6:30-8:30) Refreshments to be served

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R. S. Dunbar, Resident DTES

Mayor Sam Sullivan & Council,

But I thought ! yes but I thought it was supposed to be this way.

Thi~gs are not as they appear to be. I've said one thing but did another. Have you ever done that?

It occurred to me that people are all special and unique in their own way. It' s like no two snowflakes are the same. Have you ever tried to catch a snowflake with your tongue? I have. It's fun.

But then there is pollution and the rain; with rain comes flooding ... Mother Nature is so powerful and can change in an instant. Is this familiar? .

I remember as a child my family called me wtld.

People: watch what you call your mate, partner, lover, family member or friend.

Basically, you are what you eat (so to speak); no pun intended. For instance if you call me bad, crazy or stupid, then what happens to me? What happens . . I just wanted to share how I feel about my reahty -what it is like to live in the reality of the downtown eastside of Vancouver. I admit that I am not perfect. Are you?!

Ifi .am homeless will you understand? Have you ever been there?

But I thought.. . see what thought did ..

Elmer Azale

My name is Rob Breau I have been living in Downtown on and off for eight years and have been for the past two years.

I would like to let you know that in the past 18+ months I have been in recovery mode from drugs and alcohol. I'm currently in a program with the Four Pillars Society, where I work with the city in the Water Works Dep. And as well go to class bettering my reading and writing as well as math.

Class time we discuss topics on how to improve our lives and the lives of others.

Today my letter has been focused on you Sam Sullivan.and your oouncil.. First let me say I know little of your position and its duties and council's actions on the behalf of us, the people.

We seem to think here that we can do something to help you in what it is you do, so I would like to share my story, ideas of what has happened and why and how it could better the next person or all others it will effect.

I feel good today I no longer or should I say have less impatience, more open-mindedness ans willingness to try new things and make a difference. I am grateful today; this city is great and all who are living in it. We have people to talk to and places to go, for myself this is AA and NA. I have found myself at times being low, so I take a walk hoping this will help.Tthe other day a pan handler gave my a compliment and right away I . felt much better I became grateful again.

Some say panhandlers are bad and we need to do 路 路 something about it. Well if this is true then I say .w e all are bad, even the grandmas and the little ,c hildren! Do we need to do something about that?

It seems not : I say we am all good: the Grandm~ and the little children and those of us who have to panhandle.

So let us all be and we will be of good use to all just like this letter should be to you Sam Sullivan.

Please take this letter to let you see that we need 路to be encouraged and this is how we will grow and make this city all that it is and even better! I hope this letter tells you that you are doing a great job and to encourage you to keep doing so and to do more.

KEEP OUR CITY GROWING. Know that we !ill matter; please don't take anything away. Panhandlers are people too, just like you and I.

When you grow up on the rez, When you grow up on the rez, You get used to a certain amount of things.

You start to lose your expectations before you become an adult.

You become used to gossip and hurt.

You realize that when you give up, it won't really matter, because no one cares.

When you grow up on the rez, People will question your integrity. . your People will say who cares; you're wastmg time, what's the point.

People will criticize you for everything you do.

When you grow up on the rez, These are the people you want approval from.

Your family, your community, your chief, your councilors.

You want them to say that anything is possible ,' and you can keep go mg.

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When you grow up on the rez, This is what most of us see.

A raised eyebrow, a look of disgust, a look of mistrust.

You start to lose your hope; your dreams start to fade. You start to hate.

You begin to hate your family, your community, your chief, and your councilors.

When you grow up on the rez, You lose all respect for things because no one gave you a chance.

No one wanted a change and you got tired of fighting.

People say things and they don't think anyone is listening. They are.

People think things won't leave their walls. It does.

When you grow up on the rez, You stay quiet if you got it good ... enough.

Only the strong willed make their way through the talk to succeed.

You have to turn your ears off and keep on going.

You won't always get the support you want but who cares?

When you grow up on the rez, Not everyone is so lucky. Some people can't take the talk and they give up.

Not everyone can keep going because they don't have anyone pushing them.

You don't care, you give up, and there is little re spect. Our people ignore us. '

So here I am to tell those who will listen, don't let anyone bring you down.

Nothing in this world will hold you back except yourself, keep your head up.

You don't have to explain everything you do, don't ever give up on your dreams.

Sometimes you will feel alone in your struggles or that No one understands.

Do what you need to do. A majority of the things you do will never be acknowledged.

Don't make excuses. Don't use other people's negativity or ignorance to give up.

Don't make excuses. Excuses are the obstacles you put in front of yourself.

You can grow up on the rez and be what you want.

You can grow up on the rez and make a difference.

You can grow up on the rez and help people without feeling stuck.

You can grow up on the rez and you can change the world.

"Always Improve. Always Evolve. Never Give Up Take Pride in How Far You Have Come, and Faith In How Far You Can Goln Elaine M. Alec Penticton Indian Band Sincerely, Sylvia Sharon Isaac

PO'EI'RY NIG1lT - JIM\.e/ 2naDo you wanna make her swoon Read a poem or sing a tune By the light of the silvery moon (that's 7pm) Drink some coffee, without a spoon (Carnegie humour -you only get a stir stick) On Saturday the 2nd o(June?

At the Carnegie, the place we all like With the Downtown Eastside Poets And Open Mike It's free, you don't have to pay You get 10 minutes to have your say

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Everyone Welcome!

Oppenheimer Park Dunlevy and Cordova 11 :00-4:00 pm Arts a: Crafts Info Booths

Teepee Sobriety Meetlnp

Face Painting Book Giveaway

&Singing!

Park Drum Group &

oftheWmd plus!

Rapper: Will

Refreshments HotDogs Frybread!

Medicine Wheel Teachings

To Help or Donate call Jim@ Oppenheimer (604) 665-2210 or Marlene George@ Carnegie (604) 665-3005

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* convert 200 units of athlete housing to low income housing after the Winter Olympics. *raise welfare rates by 50 percent (from March, 2007 levels). * end the barriers that keep people in need from getting welfare.

There's Something Going On ¡On the evening of May 23rd, an important event took place in the Unitarian Church hall at Oak and West 49th Avenue in Vancouver. The event was called a "Dialogue on Homelessness," and it was organized by the newly formed Citywide Housing Coalition.

Federal politicians in Greater Vancouver were invited to this dialogue. Two Liberal politicians, Hedy Fry and Ujjal Dosanjh, showed up, as did two NDP politicians, Libby Davies and Bill Siksay. A Conservative politician by the name of David Emerson was invited, but he didn't show up. The Unitarian Church hall was packed for this dialogue. Over one hundred people were present, and their concern about homeless people filled the hall with compassionate energy.

The event began with the presentation of an intense, short play about homelessness called "Being Poor In A World Class City." Stephen Lytton played the homeless man in this drama with great power. After the play was over, Jean Swanson gave an overview ofhomelessness in Vancouver including the recommendations of the Inner City, Inclusivity Housing Table (ICI), a broadly based group that included community organizations, VANOC, federal and provincial government representatives, City of Vancouver representatives, and developers. Five of the unanimous recommendations of this ICI group are: * build 3200 units of mostly supportive low income housing by 2010. * acquire 800 rental units by 2010.

Then something truly amazing happened. Representatives from many Vancouver neighbourhoods expressed their support for the ICI recommendations, and asked the federal politicians what they would do to end homelessness. People spoke from Mount Pleasant, False Creek, Douglas Park, Gastown, the West End, Kerrisdale, Point Grey, Kitsilano, Grandview Woodlands, the University of British Columbia, Oakridge, Riley Park, and the Downtown Eastside.

In fact, many representatives from the Downtown Eastside spoke, including women from the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre who spoke clearly and powerfully about their concerns.

The federal politicians responded positively.

Libby Davies and Bill Siksay said that they supported the ICI recommendations, and they called for a national housing plan. Hedy Fry, Davies and Siksay were impressed with the presentations of the Citywide Housing Coalition. They said coalition building was very important, and a good way to put pressure on politicians.

What we saw here was the beginning of a city wide housing coalition- a coalition that would be strong enough to challenge the enormous power that developers have in the city. We cannot win the housing battle in the Downtown Eastside by ourselves. We need friends and allies from all over the city, the province and the nation.

We won the battle to stop a huge casino in the Downtown Eastside in 1995 because we helped to build a city-wide political resistance strong enough to influence government. Effective coalitions are built on respect and trust. There's a growing understanding in our city, and across Canada, about the terrible wrongness of homelessness and the huge gap between rich and poor.

Myles Horton, the man who started the Highlander Centre in Tennessee. said that when a new

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wave of social justice appears, we have to be ready for it - as he was ready for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's. Well, a new wave of social justice is coming now. Signs of it have been the many protests around the world against the brutality of the corporate global economy and the building of so-cal1ed world class cities in which only the rich can live. We saw and felt some of the energy and longing for justice at the Unitarian Church on May 23rd. There's still lots of work to do, but I tell you, friends, there's something going on.

Sandy Cameron

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News from the Carnegie Kitchen as of ~une 15

No styro Take Out Containers

THEVANCOUVERPOETRYS~ Continues

Cafe Deux Soleils: 2096 Commercial Drive (Sth and Commercial) The 1st, 5,{d and 5th Monday of Every Month The next slam is Monday June 4th featuring the debut performance of the

2007 Vancouver Poetry Slam Team

Zaccheus jackson, fernando raguero, scruffmouth and sean mcgarragle This will also be an open slam for cash and prizes as we kick off our summer season of fundraising Doors at I sign up at Bpm. Non competitive open mic at 8:45 Slam starts at 9 o'clock Admission is only $5 All poets and poetic styles welcome

All Ages, Wheelchair accessible. Vegetarian chow!

Please be advised that as of June 15/07 the Carnegie Kitchen wiJI no longer offer styro Take Out Containers. This change has come about due to discussion with the Carnegie Centre Association and is in keeping with the City Of Vancouver's efforts to reduce waste.

It will still be possible to take out already wrapped items in a brown bag such as sandwiches and baked items.

We hope that you will continue to enjoy the delicious food made by the staff and volunteers in the Carnegie Kitchen.

Thank you, Catriona Moore Kitchen Coordinator Carnegie Centre

Volunteers: June 2007 Friday, June 8- Karaoke @ 7-lOpm, Theatre Wednesday, June 13- Volunteer Committee Meeting@ 2pm, Classroom 2 June 18-June 22; Cultus lake Camping Trip Wednesday, June 20- Volunteer Dinner @ 4:30pm (12 hours to attend), on the 2nd floor Monday,June 25- Stew Dinner@ S-7pm, Kitchen Friday, June 29- Karaoke@ 7- lOpm, Theatre VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH- MAY 2007 Sam Snobelen, cashier Troy Hecocks, weight room Congratulations!!

---Imy struggle to find a place where personal honesty is valued above society norm s where the limits to honesty are pushed and it is accepted as a gift rather than a threat where equality is valued above status where openness is appreciated more than learning where trust is built on feelings of empathy rather than knowledge of the system where difference is valued rather than feared where 'presence' is valued above intelligence where silence can be part of the rhythm where personal stories are shared instead of hiding behind the stories of others where I feel supported to be myself and accept others as they are graham cunningham

Carnegie Community Action Project (CCAP)

Newsletter For more info visit Association Office- 2 nd floor Carnegie Centre

Facts about Women, Pove Homelessness ~Selection

of new W oodwards mural with photo by Yun Lam Li

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immigrant and refugee women/women without status, Aboriginal women, young moms, senior women, women with disabilities and trans people Poverty limits women's independence and makes it difficult for them to leave an abusive partner, upon whom they may be economically dependent 1/3 of women in shelters go back to abusive situations because Welfare rates do not allow them to survive. # of homeless women increased 60% between 2002 and 2005 GVRD Homeless Count Shelter beds available to no more than 50% of homeless women.

Cuts to income assistance, legal aid, women's centres, attacks on women's advocacy assistance, legal aid, women's centres, attacks on women's advocacy and support services, the lack of childcare support, rising costs of living and housing, and lowincome work all have had devastating impacts on women ~by Wendy P

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When I was in trouble, near breakdown, with a baby and needed to quit my job, my co-op home was my safety net and I didn't fall through. I am learning a lot about why things happen to us the way they do and thanks to the DE Women's Centre, plus info from the Women Against Poverty Collective in Toronto, here are some facts for you to consider: );.> 1 out of 7 Canadian women are living in poverty - these women are most likely to be women of colour, 1

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Condo Developer makes over 1 million in 1 Month!

As you know, the Province bought i 0 highly priced hotels here recently. All <?f them are structurally in good shape.

What's the plan for them now? What will the Province do with them after the Olympics? We still don't know alot.

So far, we know this deal benefited condo developers. Developer Robert Wilson who owns the Gastown, Arco and Shaldon Hotels, bought the Orange Hall and Walton Hotel in Feb 2007 and sold it to the Province one month later. He made $1.1 Million profit. At Save Low Income Housing Coalition, we're taking notes about what is happening in the remaining hotels he owns. Here is a list so far: bedbugs infestation, mice in mattresses, broken toilets, violence, no

linens, broken washing machines, guest limits and more. Meetings with SLIHC, the tenants and the new property manager have helped sort out improvements.

But, ominously, this Developer is legally raising rents beyond what people in this neighbourhood can afford to pay.

Two more hotels owned by Wilson remain empty: Pender and Rainier Hotels. Meanwhile, his condos in the hole next to the Pender are under construction. Join the organizing in these and other hotels. Contact 604-839-0379.

More perspective on the 10 Hotels bought in our area In April 2007, a FOI to the Ministry of (continued on Page 3) 2

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and then arrest them for existing.

- Jean Swanson

(Continued from page 3) Olympic Games.

Before the '96 Olympics, Atlanta passed laws that made it illegal panhandle aggressively, urinate in public, lie on a park bench or walk across a parking lot if you didn't have a car in it. The laws were later thrown out but one homeless advocate estimated that 10,000 homeless people were wrongfully arrested. Atlanta also gave bus tickets to homeless people who promised not to return to Atlanta.

CBC, Global, News 1130 reporters heard from concerned citizens how Vancouver could be an example to the world for how to house, not hide or jail homeless people. But, governments have to act fast. At least 3200 new housing units by 201 0 to provide homes for 1500-2000 people sleeping on the streets, 700 sleeping in shelters, and more who will be evicted from hotels and rooming houses in the Downtown Eastside and other areas. It's unethical to refuse to provide housing for people,

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(Above) Paul, resident of Central Residence on Cordova, often talks about how homes save lives.

(Right) About 20 residents from Downtown Eastside, Kerrisdale, False Creek, and Grandview Woodlands gathered at 7 a.m. in front ofBoard of Trade to draw attention to the meeting with Atlanta Mayor

- Oottr fliOt Ho~EllSS

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Rate of Change Bylaw

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risk of losing her home. Another woman said there is a "housing opportunity" for developers in our city and she implored council to not push poor people out and make Vancouver a "wealthy enclave with no soul." With great passion, Bharbara Gudmundson, Carnegie Action volunteer told council that the next step was to make more homes like hers at Haley Place.

Not everyone wanted the bylaw. In fact there was a developer there that said this bylaw would drive up rents and another who said this was the "erosion of property rights, the cornerstone of democracy!"

Councilor Anton, NPA, made a simple motion to accept the bylaw and her colleague Clr Ladner wanted to amend it to include the need to consult specifically with developers. But Clr Kim Capri, NPA, said this would exclude groups like the Citywide Housing Coalition and other community groups. The council chambers erupted in applause for the NPA, which doesn't happen too often when we are there.

• ----Wendy P 113 ofa banner by youth at Broadway Youth Resource Centre who spoke against evictions and the political causes of homelessness.

On May 24, City Council voted to e?Ctend a zero rate of change bylaw to the every neighbourhood except the Downtown Eastside which city staff claim already has a rate of change in place. The Vancouver zero rate of change bylaw will temporarily stop the loss of rental housing by forcing condo developers to jump through many hoops publicly before converting rentals.

Development is still possible as long as there is a one-to-one replacement of rental units. It will be in place until December 2009.

There were 20 speakers from all neighbourhoods, including some from the new Citywide Housing coalition, who spoke passionately in favor of the bylaw and for the need of "affordable" and not just market rate rental housing.

Sister Elizabeth talked about the dismantling of federal and provincial housing programs in the early 80's and 90's. One woman said she was at high

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(continued from page 6) women from the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre Power of Women Group as reps from this neighbourhood.

They asked about endorsing the Olympic Housing recommendations, reinstating housing programs and co-op housing programs, improving incomes, taking responsibility for the current 33o/o ofBC Housing money that the feds give to the provinces with no strings attached, how they plan to end homelessness and much more.

Federal Liberals did not commit to a national housing program or --

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endorsement of Olympic Housing Recommendations to build 3200 units before the Olympics and raise Welfare rates. NDP reps Siksay and Davies personally signed on to the Olympic recommendations and were generally supportive of the audience's positions.

Conservative MPs declined to attend and a white balloon with blue and red ribbons was tied to their chair. Written on it were the words: Conservatives support tax cuts to property owners What is the next step for this coalition? Call604-839-0379 for more info "'Wendy P

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Residents throughout Vancouver speak out to Federally,elected politicians (left) Photos by Bharbara Gudmundson

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John Red Green making stuff for us as usual

misbegotten brain child of john/karenza/wendy a chalk board, to be trundled around the hood so that people can write messages of ...................... . what? in our neighbourhood from the sublime to despair, rants to raves, prose and poetry, from the heart. and the gut. why? coz that's what people do. and when the people speak, or in this case write, there is an energy to the expression of our hopes, dreams and desires. this is just another way of expressing ourselves as a community.

"Support for this project does not necessarily imply V ancity' s endorsement of the findings or contents of this report."

Vanci 8

Just How Stupid Can a Yuppie Be? (rock n roll)

by Earle Peach They say the weather's changing & there is no doubt Those hurricanes and heat waves really freak me out But all the finger-pointing makes me blow my spout As far as I'm concerned, baby, the jury's out Tell me just how stupid can a yuppie be?

They must be pretty stupid if they talk like me The jury's out, so we'll have to wait &see Just how stupid can a yuppie be?

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Solitary Confinement Crummy dives that neutralize Feelings of lost intentions Four walls that you for sure despise Yet keep out things too weird to mention.

Bare bulb dancing in dull murky air Hearing steps outside, by and near your door They add to melancholy, fuelling deep despair You get up abruptly to kill somethingYou pace the floor Stir crazy in tight quarters, stale stifling air Frantic for an escape hatch from this space unreal Needing to jettison the bad vibes of doom, amidst the bugs, within the gloom You could gaze out of the shattered window But it is boarded up and in a state of disrepair Shards of darkness surround you, silence numbs Beyond the deafness of no other voice you are trapped and cornered - what a nothing choice!

Up and at 'em early morning light of day to hit the bricks, ward off gnawing hunger, stave off the chilling pain, join the numberless predators for bugs, for scraps, for any meagre gain.

Go and rest your weary bones, lay your head on a broken bed as another day is gone Pass away until tomorrow's repetitionYour worn out body, mind and spirit again play In what goes on: an eternal , heart-breaking fray.

Robyn Livingstone

Well these folks over here say the science sucks 2000 climatologists are just a bunch of schmucks They make me uncomfortable to drive my truck So I'm listenin to the mouthpiece with the biggest bucks Tell me just how stupid can a yuppie be?

They told me to relax over on Fox TV I'm surfing through the channels so I don't have to see Just how stupid can a yuppie be.

Well Mother Nature is the one to blame We could all ride bikes & it'd still be the same Logic & evidence are way too tame So start up the hummer & fuck the shame Tell me just how stupid can a yuppie be?

I'm happy spouting carbon, so don't bug me If I can't drive my hummer, then I'm not really free Just how stupid can a yuppie be?

Well now that climate change denial is cool I'm looking at the junk they're teaching kids in school Wake up & smell the coffee you fool!

If you believe in evolution you're the devil's tool Just how stupid can a yuppie be?

I don't really know, it isn't up to me Just tell me what to think and eventually we'll see Just how stupid a yuppie can be. "... to the degree that we come to understand other organisms, we will place a greater value on them, and on ourselves."

E.O. Wilson 'Biophilia'

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The Anti-Poverty Committee successfully launched its VANOC eviction campaign by evict. ing Ken Do bell from his office located at the World Trade and Convention Centre in the Office of the Premiere. His belongings have been put into boxes and thrown into the hall.

The people have announced that Ken Dobell is THE perfect mascot for the 2010 games. He proves that there is no confl ict between big business and all levels of Government.

Ken Dobell is, among other things, director of the 2010 Legacies Now Society and the Canadian Council for Public-private partnerships. A member of the board of the 2010 Bid Corporation in its early years, Dobell now serves on V ANOC's Board of Directors, where he chairs its Finance Committee.

When not acting as a symbolic figurehead, Kenny rakes in $250-an hour as special adviser' to the premier Gordon Campbell. Not so coincidentally his second job is as a lobbyist for the City of Vancouver, which has hired him to influence Campbell on development issues. What this amounts to is pillaging public resources for private profit.

This eviction was carTied out in a non-violent manner with respect to the workers inside. T his is · contrary to the evictions that take place every day in the Downtown Eastside. Often the police serve as the City's eviction service and assist in the displacement of people from their homes. In cases such as the Marr Hotel and the Burns Block, poor people are evicted from their homes violently. In the case of the Burns Block people who had Jived there for 20 years were evicted with less than 30 minutes notice, their belongings thrown to the curb.

So long as people are being evicted from their homes to make room for the 2010 Olympic games, we will continue targeting VANOC representatives in their offices. It is from these offices that life and death decisions are made.

We plan on escalating our siege and maki ng the profit~ering off displacing poor people from their homes and territories too costly to continue. To get involved in this campaign and other organizing efforts of the APC, check out http://apc.resist.c'!, and find out how to throw

down with us!

DEMANDS I. Immediate cancellation of the 2010 Olympic games.

2. Direction of all Olympic funds to new housing and social programs.

3. Withdrawal of colonial occupiers from all unceeded indigenous territory.

4. Dollar-for-dollar reinstation of all funding cut to social programs by the provincial liberal government.

5. Ken Dobell's immediate resignation from at least two of three conflicting positions.

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Sulltvan and Premier seek to clean up (sweep up) Vancouver's homeless by returning all mental health consumers to Riverview before 2010 Olympic Games. This "bold plan" comes days after Campbell and cronies refuse compensation to Woodlands' survivors. .

It's a criminal response in my mind for BC Govt, which has denied the rig hts of these individuals, denied them any compensation and even denied that their stories are true. It's also criminal in the way that the media, public and others have turned a blind eye to this issue.

I have worked alongside many survivors of the institutional systems and the realities of their lives while "in care" is horrendous; at the same time locking folks away has done a dis-service to the rest of society in the way that we never have to learn, care and celebrate all.

Mary

Mary C lifford, Executive Director, BC Y ukon Society of Transition Houses, (p)604 669 6943 ext.222

'Freedom from abuse is every woman and child's right" 1

It is very sad when our society refuses to acknowledge and accept that Canada also has a dark past and treated people very badly and continues

to keep this cycle of abuse. Every province in Canada has institutions like Woodlands still operating with similar stories of abuse that have yet to surface formally in Reports like Woodlands.

Quebec has paid compensation to many people with disabilities who suffered terrible atrocities in government care with torturous punishment programs that are illegal and condemned by Amnesty International; but considered regulated therapies for people with challenging behaviours in these environments that warehouse and confine them. We segregate people with developmental disabilities still today starting from school-aged children in separate schools right through to adult care institutions and it needs to be stopped.

Gregg Schiller

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As I begin to talk, relating some amusing incident or deep insight - you move away Bathroom, balcony, or to the kitchen; Clattering Cleaning up the Clutter of dirty cups and spoons.

My voice grows louder: keeping up, Then gradually fades out Unable to be heard above the Business and Harmony Of the tidiness you impose.

As you put your design of superficial order on the remains of the dinner.

Wilhelmina Miles

Another Group deserving of money is We Survived Woodlands. They are individuals with developmental disabilities who were abused at the government-run residential school (documented with a government report they now claim is flawed) and came forward. We've recognized the systemic abuse the residents with disabilities experienced.

Now this government refuses to give these folks a one-time "common experience" payment of only $15,000 each in a tax -free account while keeping their BC Benefits and this provincial government here in BC says there is no money for this group. And, this government is now dragging these victimized people into court at millions of dollars of taxpayer's money to deny paying them their very small compensation package that they are seeking as a one-time benefit for the abuses they suffered over a life time at Woodlands School, yet the MLAs can find money for their huge pay raises while denying these folks from Woodlands who want to enjoy the rest of their life with a little bit of benefits to recognize the hardships committed against them by our own government over and over again.

People can write to the Attorney-General Wally Oppal and the Premier to express their feelings in support of the Survivors of Woodlands to have an out of court settlement before the January 2008 scheduled class action trial on this issue.

Gregg Schiller

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UBC LAW STUDENTS LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10- 4pm Thursday: 2 - 8pm

Art Gallery - Carnegie's 3'd floor

Beauty died this morning on Tenth Avenue The crows are still confused Two old and regal birches Aflame in red and gold Were pushed down into the dirt A man in a big machine.

They are developing this land -improving it I But i am still grieving- I look at that empty place Where stood those witnesses of dignity and grace; Those silent sentinels that saw the coming and going Of people who now stroll by to look in the hole And hope I can undo the past by wishing

Wilhelmina Miles

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MORE SHELTERS, PLEASE. Why are people sleeping in the streets?

I am interested in seeing that more shelters are created in the DTES (Vancouver). If we wait for wreaiRhousing, it may take forever. No one should have to sleep on sidewalks, in alleys or doorways. The supportive housing for the chronic homeless that is being initiated by the government will only seem to dent the demand temporarily: one step forward; two backward. ¡.

The DTES has 2% of the land located in the City and 1% of the population. The City of Vancouver has a population of 600,000; Greater Vancouver District has 2million. The DTES has no political power since there are only 16,000 residents. This is compounded by the fact that the street homeless as a rule do not vote. Voting is not the priority of the homeless; survival is. Each one of us who are housed must speak for them.

The 10 hotels the Province recently purchased are not additional housing. These hotels only guarantee that the rooms (SROs =Single Room Occupancy) presently occupied will not be lost to new development. In the DTES we can only hope to maintain housing as it is and ask for crumbs: shelters. Shelters are necessary to help prevent illnesses and deaths from happening because people are living on the street. And it is disgraceful for a City as rich as Vancouver to have the homeless sleeping on the streets. Even in shelters it can be disgraceful but a shelter is better than nothing. Shelters do not have to be warehouses; they can be designed to reflect hostels. We currently have a .03% vacancy rate for permanent housing: shelters have become absolutely necessary.

Y2007 stats for the street homeless range from 2,000 to 4,000. There are only 515 all-weather shelter beds in Vancouver: In the winter emergency shelters can increase the units to 719. These figures do not take into consideration the 5,000+ nearly homeless that live in evictable circumstances in 1O'xiO' SROs or those who are couch surfing. These stats are only for Vancouver, never mind the rest of the mainland or the province.

To the crumbs end, I would like each of you to email the mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca and ask that City owned Storyeum, a 105,000 square foot vacant space located in the DTES, be used as a basic sleep-on-the-floor shelter for the street homeless. Storyeum has been vacant since November 2006. It was recently renovated and it is uo to

code re building and fire. Storyeum could be used as a spacious 24-hour shelter without costly supports. No one should be thrown out of a shelter at 7:00 in the morning to wander the streets all day and be readmitted at 11 :00 p.m. if there is a bed empty. Businesses say street people are bad for tourists, then put the homeless in shelters.

The street people I spoke to said they would supply their own blankets: they only want a dry and safe place to sleep. As decent, affordable, social housing comes into use, Storyeum could be reconverted to its prior theatre venue and it would not be necessary to demolish the existing theatre improvements. Unless the City gets a best use tenant for Storyeum, it could be turned into a parkade. A car park is not the best possible use for the space. The best use for Storyeum is for shelters for people; not shelters for cars.

There is great resistance to creating more shelters in the DTES. This resistance has existed for years. It is as if the City and the social providers are stuck in time. Things are not like they were twenty or thirty years ago. The status quo cannot remain as is. People were not sleeping on the streets like they are doing now. Point-in-fact; no agency is lobbying for additional shelters. And, the policy of the City is no more shelters. This reflects what is wanted by the service providers "experts," and advocates for housing in the DTES and not homeless. The service providers want to forego shelters and wait until low income consumers can be placed directly into new housing.

Dream on. The City also likes to dream as if wants to wait until the underlying problems of homelessness are solved (income and health, City's 2005 Homeless Action Plan).

The federal and provincial governments have been down loading housing to municipalities for the past ten years and the City refuses to see this. The City will have to eventually accept responsibility for housing: this is where the homeless are; the homeless are not in Ottawa.

The various reasons given are blatantly stupid for denying shelters to those on the streets. Each year the homeless population increases and the number of available low rental units decreases while shelter units remain the same. We cannot wait until new self-contained rental housing is built or housing is found in existing buildings (BC Housing's take on this is to displace the working poor from their existing affordable rental units and force them to find alternate housing which is nearly impossible when the housing vacancy rate is .03%) and/or wait until the reasons for solving homelessness are fully implemented.

The City refuses to understand that one chronic street homeless person can easily cost $100,000 a year with policing, courts, prisons, legal aid, doctors, prescriptions, counseling, countless detox treatments, ambulances,

1 sometimes think

that society want to punish the homeless for being destitute. It is as if to say that unless they behave according to certain standards, they will be ostracized from.the mainstream of society and they will remain homeless.

If we flood City Hall with e-mails, letters and phone calls, the mayor and council will have no choice but to change its policy and create more shelters. I was told that 100,000 contacts (e-mails/telephones/letters) would guarantee a shift in policy. So please be part of the solution and communicate with City Hall. mavorandcounc i l@vancouver.ca 604-873-7191 (24-hour line) City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y IV4 audrey I aferriere@yahoo.ca 778-329·1250 75- 2 West Hastings, Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1NI (Donations to help pay for photocopies, etc. needed) We the residents of Vancouver have allowed street homelessness to happen. From now on, we must practise Qi: rect (not unelected representative) democracy. We must not depend on service providers "experts" or any other organization or politician to decide what is best for our City. We can reverse the "no shelter" policy by instructing City Hall. Remember, the job of politicians is to do what they are told. If we tell them, in greater and greater numbers, it will h

hospitalization, harm to tam .• -- -:s~ :s::::::1::e~ social welfare benefits, a :: cs: o::E This accounting model ·CCS"" :e: - :r:: = =~available for as long as :a- ':! e ce- .,..,.. - =-:: • 2 homeless person is h~: sr:r..s - _- -. : _ o?.5.:-c- "'9 the drain on govemrre~· 5.: rc:: ::: :-E -*: :; oc.cess these services is grea:.' J:C-:s:e.- ~ -: - ::ess person is not outside with pne_- :- : :r -= -; :- e oo;:oe in his face. Therefore it __ : ~ _._ sc.• :-a: shelters will also help lessel' :-.: :. :::r- :r x:-."'CeS. Not as much as a self-contained woe : _: :-· : • .., to make shelters economically viac-e Money is no: :--e ·ss... e for the lack of affordable housing. Lack of aclioo oy our politicians is. Politicians are ignorant of what they are doing. They just do what they are told by their leaders. In 2008 the Provincial government will be cutting income tax by $1 05 million per year even though no one or group had asked for it. This $1 05 million could have been budgeted for social housing.

Write your MLA. The Province could also increase the RC. Property Acquisition Tax by 1 %which would bring in revenues of$500 million a year which could be dedicated to housing. $problem solved. The federal government's . plan to provide affordable housing is to provide tax incentives which historically only lower taxes for the rich and increases the share of taxes paid by the working middle class.

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CONDEMNED returns to a Theatre near you!

We are happy to announce that the Carnegie Opera, which played to sold-out audiences at the Carnegie Centre in October 2006, will be remounted for four performances at the Firehall Arts Centre, located at 280 E. Cordova. The remount is staged by John Cooper and the musical direction is again by Earle Peach.

The performances are: June 21-23, 7:30PM; June 24,2:00 PM Reservations can be made in advance by calling: Firehall Box Office, 9:30-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at (604) 689- 0926.

Suggested admission donation of $5 - $20.

Bring vour friends and family to see this fabulous local production!

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A nation of greedmeisters?

Letter to the Province Published: Thursday, May 24, 2007 I tak~ exception to two poor-bashing letters recently published in The Province.

Not every poor person spends their money on drugs, and poor people should certainly not be considered "drains on society their whole lives."

You could just as easily be talking about rich people. What have they done except sleep with their money?

One writer said: "When these 'poor' people make the right lifestyle.choices, then society wil1 help them." And do the rich make the "right lifestyle choices?"

When has Canada forgotten to look after its most vulnerable? When did it turn into a nation of greedmeisters unable to see past their own noses when it comes to looking out for the poor?

Rolf Auer, Vancouver

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'07

I think it's gonna be a great summer. Right now I'm in Science 101. I think it's an offshoot of Humanities 101 which I've been a part of for the last coupla years. Anyway its very interesting so far .. we've made ice-cream in the classroom and one of the profs created a rainbow in a bottle or test tube. This stuff is very interesting and entertaining. I'm meeting new classmates and some very zany and intelligent professors. Everything is wild and new and it makes for a pretty good time on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We do a homework club on Mondays to prepare for what's coming up in our schedule. Not only that but they feed us and give us bus fare back and forth to the University. For the past 2 weeks I've been going out early and swimming. As a matter of fact that's where I'm headed right now.

Tuesday I also go to our own Carnegie bookclub.

Today we went and read in the SunYat Sen garden. It was a beautiful morning and we do it before it gets too warm. Come out next Tuesday and

join us. Sometime in the next month-and-a-half we're gonna take a trip to VanDusen garden; that's because we're reading a book by Patrick Lane called "There is a Season." It' s about his life and how he has always had a garden. He seems to have had an interesting life between gardening and coke addiction... and I can relate to some of the things I guess all boys do. You know, like swimming and being out in the wild. I guess it's not really that wi ld but its adventuresome.

Beth our fearless librarian leader wi11 give you a book to keep and maybe even a cookie or today she had some great oranges. She always seems to have something to nibble on. We usually go around in a circle reading aloud. It's kinda fun and challenging. So let's hope I see you next week. I hope your summer is gonna be as good as mine is gonna be. Hal

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TWO "B>uVVt.S

The bum on the rods is hunted down As an enemy of mankind; The other is driven round to his club, Is feted, wined and dined.

And they who curse the bum on the rods As the essence of all that's bad Will greet the other with a winning smile And extend the hand so glad.

The bum on the rods is a social flea Who gets an occasional bite; The bum on the plush is a social leech Bloodsuckin' day and night.

The bum on the rods is a load so light That his weight we scarcely feel, But it takes the labour of dozens of folks o furnish the other a meal.

As long as we sanction the bum on the plush The other will always be there, But rid ourselves of the bum on the plush And the other will disappear.

Make an intelligent, organized kick Get rid of the wasted crutch.

Don't worry about the bum on the rods Get rid of the bum on the plush.

Make hay while the sun shines.

DOWNTO EASTSIDE YOUTH ACTI\.ITIES SOCIETI 612 l\lai n tr.e et

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I THIS NEWSLEITER IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CARNEGIE COMM UNITY CENTRE ASSOCIATION All1cles represent the v1ews of individual r.nntubutors and not of the Association

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The famous quote is about a hundred years old and can be raced to the wori of flnlev peter Dunne, one of lhe great journalists of lhe day

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2007 DONATIONS: Libby D.-$1 00 Rolf A.-$50 Barry for Dave McC.-$125 Christopher R.-$50 Margaret D.-$40 Penny G.$50 Janice P.-$35 Wes K.-$50 Gram -$400 John S.$60 Leslie S.$20 Michael C.-$80 Sheila B.-$20 Wilhelmina M.-$25 CEEDS -$50 Sam an -$20 Phyllis L. -$200 Paddy -$125 Bob S.-$100 Barry M.-$125 Mel L.-$20 The Edge -$200 Greta P.-$20 The Rockingguys -$25 Jaya B.-$100

Editor; Paul~ . Taylor;

Gallery Gachet Call for Artist Proposals

We accept proposals for solo, group, juried, and curated exhibits in our two exhibition spaces for Apri_l2008 through March 2009. Gallery I is our large r, front space. Gallery II is a smaller, more intimate space at the back of the gallery. We also accept proposals for major exhibitions, screenings, workshops, p'e rfonnances and collaborations. We pay artist fees, as well as provide support for open §ubmisslon dead:lne for next ''~l!e; ings, catering, marketing, mailings, equipment, etc . .

Carnegie Tuesday, June 12 Community Include in your package: Centr~ • at least I 0 supporting images (prints or digital) per artist • artwo rk list including title, medium, dim ensions and year Contact • art ist' s CV for each participant (exhibition history) .Jenny • written proposal stating a well-thought-out theme Wai Ching for the show (250-.500 words) Proposals will be looked at more favourably if Kwan you are willing to do an artist tal k or complimentaMLA ry programming, or if it thematically coincides with other events and festivals. Gallery Gachet also welcomes exhibits which address themes of mental health and survivor issues. We actively look to create and maintain collaborations within 1070-1641 Comm~rcial Dr V5L JYJ the DTES, mental health, and Vancouver arts • Phone: 775-0790 Fat: 7754~881 communities.

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Working for You

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Deadline: July 15, 2007 .

Hello Everyone It's getting close to our end of the year party at the Learning Centre! We have decided to com...

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Dedication to the Shadow Casters

By Yvonne Mark

There are a million emotions swirling about So I simply write them down, .. it eases the doubts.

Like when I first started with the Shadow Casters, I was afraid Afraid of failing, very insecure; but in the end it paid.

It paid to endure whatever it took to finally perform.

We had so much fun & laughter it became the norm.

Now it's all over & will be sadly missed.

But I met some awesome people that give my life a lift.

Thank you dear Creator for my recovery & this chance.

As I truly feel it actually helped me to finally-take a stance From Hastings alleys to the stage at the Russian Hall Where we carried the message - to me it was a ball.

I bonded with my daughters more so than expected.

And I pray to God that we all try to stay connected.

My family came out with their usual support Which I'll be forever grateful & proud to report.

I pray for other families out there that suffer & stray As today I'm in the sunshine as opposed to the grey.

All it took was to finally surrender & to believe in myself And slowly but surely I was totally engulfed.

Engulfed by the magic of a new life to live And to put my past behind me & leam to forgive Myself especially !!

Only those that risk going too far can possibly find out how far we can go.

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E:l·~ ,. ~ Caroline, Harold and Bao (I hope) L.C. Tutors memorate our experience so the Yearbook Committee is looking for contributors to our First Annual Learning Centre Yearbook!

If you have been involved in some way, perhaps as a tutor, learner, speaker or participant in this past year, we would greatly appreciate your valuable opinions, suggestions, sayings, quotes, poems, artwork and photos, that would help people to understand what you thought of the L.C. A suggestion for submission might be your favorite or funniest moment or what you learned or achieved with us.

As always, we appreciate your input! * Thank you!© Submissions must be made by June 19, 2007. The submissions box (vibrantly painted) is found in the learning centre, or if you so choose, you may give them to committee 111embers who are currently volunteering at various locations within the Carnegie Centre.

April Smith Peter Davies Coordinator - Secretary -

Harold Asham Technical

tion, and some of them will be elsewhere in the library.

News from the Library- June I Morris and Helen Belkin Foundation Donation The Carnegie Library recently received a generous donation to expand our collection of literacy materials from this Foundation. THANK YO U! Over the last few weeks, Beth in the library has been choosing some materials. Learning Centre staff, students and tutors got together on May 24, with a pile of catalogues and web sites and began the very enjoyable process of choosing books and other materials. We started by discussing the kinds of materials that worked for students and tutors, and also identified materials that we all wished we had access to. Thanks to everyone who participated: Harold, Caroline, Claudio, Mike, Mike, Dell, Lucy, Bao, Fay, Cam, Neva, Maria, Lai, Peter, April, Adrienne, Deb and Tara.

This generous donation will improve access to much-needed literacy materials for the residents of the Downtown Eastside. It will help support the fabulous work being done by staff, tutors and students in the Carnegie Learning Centre, and assist in the Learning Centre's vision to empower individuals and the community to make our voices heard.

We have ordered books to help people learn to read, short books for beginning readers, math books, reference books, and lots of illustrated books on different subjects. Look out for these literacy books in the Learning Centre and on the library shelves over the next few weeks and months. Some o f them will be in our literacy sec-

New Books Remember Fred Faulkes? Fred worked in the library in the 1980s. He's a recently retired Branch Head (Collingwood), but already he's got a very busy retirement. Fred is writing a series of books called The Tiger Heart Chronicles, in which he looks at who exactly wrote Shakespeare's plays (I' ll give you a clue: he doesn't think it was Shakespeare). The first book, Tiger Heart in Woman 's Hide is available now from other Vancouver Public Library branches, and available soon at Carnegie.

Worlds to Explore, edited by Mark Jenkins (910.4) includes 54 classic stories from the pages of National Geographic. Read about Teddy Roosevelt on safari, Edmund Hillary on Everest, an 1896 tsunami in Japan and being captured by Mongol horsemen in Central Asia.

Tired of biased media reporting? Need a way of getting through spin, hype and scams to objective sources of news? Brooks Jackson and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, founders of FactCheck.org, think they have the answers in unSpun: Finding Facts in a World ofDisinformation (302.23).

The weather is getting warmer, and it's time to play outside. Why not take a book or two with you the next time you're at the park, or just wandering the neighbourhood? Plants of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland by Collin Varner (581.97) is a pocket-size, beautifully illustrated book to local flowers, ferns, trees, shrubs and berries. Insects of the Pacific Northwest by Peter Haggard & Judy Haggard (595 .7) helps you identify all kinds of insects, from assassin bugs to am bush bugs to meadow spittlebugs.

Beth, your librarian.

EVICTED? Carnegie Community Action Project would

like to hear from you! We're assembling stories to prevent evictions from continuing to happen. Please contact Anne: 778-861-5536

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Downtown Eastside Photography Contest First prize (1 winner): $500 cash Second prize (5 winners): $100 cash each Third prize (10 winners): $50 cash each Honourable mention (24 winners): $25 cash each Every contestant will get $5 cash when they tum in their cameras

Winning photos will be exhibited and may be used in the 2008 Hope in Shadows calendar Free cameras and training prov ided.

This year's theme:

,.

The rules:

Each contestant will be given a disposable camera at the beginning of the contest.

All pictures must be taken with an official contest camera. You enter your photos by turning your .camera in - we take care of the developing and printing!

Cost to enter: free! First come, first get

Pick up cameras 10:30atn, Saturday June 9 Interurban Gallery ( 1 East Hastings) Contest ends 5ptn, Tuesday, June 12 Space is limited to 200 contestants.

This contest is open only to low-income residents of the Downtown Eastside.

Advancing the interests and improving the lives of marginalized persons through law reform, legal education, and strategic legal action.

For more information 604 255 9700 www. pivotlegal.org