"Operation Phoenix"

What is it?
A new one-of-a-kind community outreach program to benefit the less fortunate on the downtown east side.

I've been meaning to blog about this local topic ever since I watched the news at my doctor's waiting room. Here I am doing so in attempts to keep myself awake at work!

Anyway, as you all know with the Olympics hitting home in 2010 our municipal government has bent over backwards trying to improve numerous amounts of city aspects that we overlook daily (ie: more skytrains running in a couple of months). And I know that most of you (well those who read and keep up with the news like myself) disagree and are vengeful with the amount of money these city improvements have weighed not only in the goverment's funds, but also our funds because we pay it to them. But I think it's safe to say that my tongue's negative comments concerning this launch will remain un-uttered. Because come on, who isn't terrified to visit Hastings not only during dark hours but in broad daylight as well? Who isn't hesitant when walking even with a bunch of people by your side throughout the "poorest and unsafest" areas in our downtown community in paranoia that something might happen? Who isn't willing to put these addict-striken individuals in a place where not only are they able to potentially treat their ailments but make themselves as well as others feel safer in the community? If you disagree with all my rhetorical questions then DAMN. How heartless are you.


The picture above doesn't suffice to how horrid the conditions of the environment are for everyone. New York used to have scenes like this one from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Then things changed, and they could here, too.

Hence, more introductions of "SROs" (Single Room Occupancy) hotels are being put into effect in that part of town.
Other goals of this operation include:
1. Committed to raising awareness of conditions.
2. Committed to provoking dialogue and debate around all the issues facing the residents and business owners.
3. Committed to celebrating what is working and exposing what is broken.
4. Will hold specific people accountable to help facilitate change.
5. Will actively push for the change that’s needed to improve people’s lives.
6. Will work to engage communities in and outside of the Downtown Eastside in our quest to find workable solutions.

I am not here to advertise (although it may seem like it haha) but I'm just here informing ya'll to raise your awareness that it ain't only you trying to survive in this dog-eat-dog city and/or world!

Anyone wanna register with me to volunteer our time to organizations working in he Downtown Eastside? But if not.. shame on you! Haha just kidding, that's cool too.