The city of Vancouver says they are aware of increased activity in the Downtown Eastside streets

This week, the federal government announced $157.5 million to tackle the needs of homeless Canadians

Officials implore residents to keep socially distancing to slow the spread, but some have nowhere to go

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in British Columbia, large groups of residents still gather on the sidewalks in the Downtown Eastside.

The city and health officials implore residents to keep socially distancing to slow the spread, but some have nowhere to go.

Jeremy Hunka, homeless advocate at the Union Gospel Mission, says homeless people and those with precarious living situations need access to facilities like hotel rooms so they can properly self isolate. UGM is still operating as a shelter with 72 beds, but workers are screening for symptoms.

“If a guest who is homeless shows up to UGM asking for help later in the evening and they have COVID-19 symptoms, we have nowhere to redirect them immediately,” says Hunka.

During #COVID19, UGM remains a welcoming place of comfort for our guests, who rely on us for shelter, food + support. We will always be there for our guests–to lend a hand of hope, offer a shoulder to lean on, & help them move towards a better tomorrowhttps://t.co/uhMJsCDQy5 pic.twitter.com/lydUonkv8a — Union Gospel Mission (@ugm) April 4, 2020

Federal response

This week, the federal government announced $157.5 million to tackle the needs of homeless Canadians, with over $13 million going directly to shelters in British Columbia.

On its website, the government said this investment will go a long way:

“The funding could be used for a variety of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters,” reads a statement.

“We’re heartened by this response, but it needs to move fast,” Hunka said. “It’s nearly impossible for people on the street to self-isolate. They don’t have a place to be away from people. They’re always exposed. It’s really hard,” he continues.

City and provincial response

The city of Vancouver says they are aware of increased activity in the Downtown Eastside streets due to the closure of the DTES street market, and that the safety of the residents remains a priority.

In March, the provincial government announced they were developing a set of protocols to protect homeless people, and those with precarious housing.

Meanwhile, the Coal Harbour and Roundhouse community centres opened last month to provide accommodation for DTES residents, by referral.

Hunka says this response has been wonderful to witness. However, with the speed at which the virus is spreading, he’s hoping to see change on the ground before an outbreak begins in the community.

“Our fear is that this will take far too long to roll out,” he says.