Massive public support for HEAT shelters

Pivot sends thousands of petition signatures to BC Housing Minister, calling on Provincial Government to keep the HEAT shelters open

Vancouver, June 24, 2009 - Pivot Legal Society is calling on Minister of Housing Rich Coleman to commit ongoing funding to the HEAT homeless shelters, scheduled to close on June 30 unless government funding is extended.

In less than one week, almost 2000 people have signed Pivot’s online petition to keep the shelters open, and hundreds more have signed paper versions of the petition circulating throughout the community.

Today, Pivot sent those signatures to Minister Coleman along with a letter calling on him to commit funding to the five shelters until there is sufficient safe, affordable housing for everyone who needs it.

“We’re thrilled by the scale of the response” says Laura Track, Pivot’s housing campaign lawyer. “These shelters have made a profound difference in the lives of so many people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets. The government needs to recognize the public support for keeping the shelters open until there are real alternatives in place.”

Many of those who signed the petition included comments with their signatures:

“We need the shelters to stay open, as they are giving people some stability, and a chance to improve their lives.  Some will say we can't afford them, but this is people's lives we are talking about, and surely we can all give up something to support them.”
Mary Brown, Vancouver Resident

“In our affluent society no person should be without a safe place to sleep. The situation on Vancouver streets is unconscionable. We must support our brothers and sisters…there but for the grace of God go I!”
Carol Ramage, Vancouver Resident

“Adequate housing for the poor and disadvantaged is essential to any just society.   We must commit the necessary resources to maintain shelters like this in the interim term while more comprehensive housing solutions are being built for future use.”
Nelson Alexander, Vancouver Resident

“The comments show that people understand what a critical service these shelters provide” says Track. “People know that ultimately, affordable housing is the true solution to homelessness, but until new units are built, the shelters are the only thing standing between hundreds of people and a dangerous life on the streets. We hope the government shows the same level of compassion and understanding as the hundreds of people who have signed our petition, and commits to keeping the shelters open.”