Homeless advocates say they will need to step up their support for a proposed temporary, modular housing complex in the wake of a well-organized attempt — including from realtors — to block its constriction at 7300 Elmbridge Way.
De Whalen, chair of the Richmond Poverty Response Committee, has written to her members and others in the non-profit sector to inform them a group of realtors is helping petition within the neighbourhood to block the 40-unit project by BC Housing, which is to be operated by RainCity Housing and Support Society.
“The opposition appears to be in two main areas: Lack of process and safety. But underlying these concerns is a fear that property values will decrease,” said Whalen.
Coun. Harold Steves took to Twitter to point out similar concerns being expressed in Chinese social media. One post Steves mentioned states that if there’s housing for homeless then “list prices plunge.”
But Steves questioned the logic: “But this housing is for homeless people already sleeping in the streets of City Centre. Where do we move the homeless people to?”
Whalen said the petition raises the fact that the housing will be placed on a temporary off-leash dog park.
“The petition actually said dogs should have fair treatment and should not be deprived as they are family members.”
Whalen points out that local residents have a “basic lack of understanding and fear that children/elders/women would become targets of the newly housed.”
She points out that many may not even realize a mental health support group and the Richmond Food Bank service vulnerable and homeless people in the neighbourhood already.
“Homeless people already receive services in the area: Pathways Clubhouse, Food Bank, etc. There is no reason to think residents would be endangered, quite the opposite as wrap-around services would be provided at the site,” said Whalen.
“The Richmond Homeless Count was 70 but our outreach workers know it is about 120. Our homeless population needs housing and deserves this,” said Whalen.
Support or opposition to the five-year shelter can be expressed at LetsTalkRichmond.ca.
