Homelessness

Police in Nanaimo are confiscating increasing numbers of weapons, manufactured and homemade, from street-entrenched people in Nanaimo. (Photo submitted)

RCMP say they’re seizing more weapons on Nanaimo’s streets

Weapons confiscated include a ninja throwing star and a dagger concealed in a cane

Police in Nanaimo are confiscating increasing numbers of weapons, manufactured and homemade, from street-entrenched people in Nanaimo. (Photo submitted)
Chris Macdonald was troubled by his own difficulty with addiction. (Photo submitted)

Man found dead in his tent at Chemainus homeless camp

Facebook posts tell of personal struggles and attempts to stay clean and sober

Chris Macdonald was troubled by his own difficulty with addiction. (Photo submitted)
Work begins on clearing an empty lot on Homewood Road to be used as a campsite for up to 25 socially-distanced tents to accommodate people dealing with homelessness in Campbell River. The plan, however, has been cancelled, the city announced May 26 one day after the clearing began. Photo by Alistair Taylor – Campbell River Mirror

Island city cancels plan for homeless camp; exploring alternative option

The plan heard strong objection from neighbouring residents and businesses

Work begins on clearing an empty lot on Homewood Road to be used as a campsite for up to 25 socially-distanced tents to accommodate people dealing with homelessness in Campbell River. The plan, however, has been cancelled, the city announced May 26 one day after the clearing began. Photo by Alistair Taylor – Campbell River Mirror
Fred Cameron stands among the harm reduction supplies that are handed out by SOLID Outreach to those living on Pandora Avenue. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)

Safe consumption plays critical part in Victoria’s temporary homeless shelters

So far, four hotels have been secured, along with 50 spots in the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Fred Cameron stands among the harm reduction supplies that are handed out by SOLID Outreach to those living on Pandora Avenue. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
The homeless population is at a high risk for contracting COVID-19. B.C. Housing plans to use SEAPARC Leisure Complex as an emergency space for up to 45 homeless people needing to self-isolate during the coronvirus outbreak. (Kendra Crighton - Black Press Media)

Online petition launched against Sooke’s rec centre homeless shelter

Rec centre will be used as an emergency space for homeless needing to self-isolate

  • Apr 23, 2020
The homeless population is at a high risk for contracting COVID-19. B.C. Housing plans to use SEAPARC Leisure Complex as an emergency space for up to 45 homeless people needing to self-isolate during the coronvirus outbreak. (Kendra Crighton - Black Press Media)
Rev. Christine Muise at St. Anne’s Church on Jan. 8 in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)

COVID-19: Seeking shelter solution, Parksville’s homeless to sleep in graveyard

People to camp near church at night as group looks for assistance

Rev. Christine Muise at St. Anne’s Church on Jan. 8 in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)
John O’Halloran at St. Anne’s Church on Jan. 8 in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)

COVID-19: No clear timeline for homeless shelter solution in Parksville Qualicum area

Workers and people affected by homelessness call for immediate help after facility closes

John O’Halloran at St. Anne’s Church on Jan. 8 in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)
St. Anne’s Church in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)

‘I bawled, it was heartbreaking’: Parksville homeless shelter forced to close due to COVID-19 concerns

Reverend at St. Anne’s Church pleads for government’s assistance, facility doesn’t pass health standard

St. Anne’s Church in Parksville. (Cloe Logan photo)
Harvey Clause, an Abbotsford homeless man and advocate, reflects on a few fatal overdoses over the past few weeks. Clause says grieving while homeless holds distinct challenges with little for privacy and little time to process grief. Dustin Godfrey/Abbotsford News

Nowhere to grieve: How homeless people deal with loss during the opioid crisis

Abbotsford homeless advocate says grief has distinct challenges for those living on the streets

Harvey Clause, an Abbotsford homeless man and advocate, reflects on a few fatal overdoses over the past few weeks. Clause says grieving while homeless holds distinct challenges with little for privacy and little time to process grief. Dustin Godfrey/Abbotsford News
(Pixabay)

Number of homeless deaths more than doubled in B.C. as opioid crisis set in

New data shows trend between more overdose deaths and the number of people dying in the street

(Pixabay)
Safety for campers at the tent city in Saanich’s Regina Park has been discussed, but safety for the neighbourhood is also part of the equation. Wolf Depner/News Staff

EDITORIAL: ‘Dislike’ of homeless people a red herring

Negative actions of the few do little to engender empathy for plight of unhoused campers

  • Jul 22, 2018
Safety for campers at the tent city in Saanich’s Regina Park has been discussed, but safety for the neighbourhood is also part of the equation. Wolf Depner/News Staff
Registered nurse and program co-ordinator Maude Blanchette Lamothe sits inside the new Victoria mobile health clinic, a joint program between Doctors of the World and Telus Health. The mobile clinic will work with members of the city’s street community to provide health care to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Photo courtesy Telus Health

Mobile health clinic treats underserved patients where they are in Victoria

Telus Health and Doctors for the World team up to expand idea

Registered nurse and program co-ordinator Maude Blanchette Lamothe sits inside the new Victoria mobile health clinic, a joint program between Doctors of the World and Telus Health. The mobile clinic will work with members of the city’s street community to provide health care to those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Photo courtesy Telus Health
The NDP’s 2018 B.C. budget makes a long-term commitment to address the housing crisis. News file photo

Editorial: The $1.6-billion question — is the 2018 housing budget enough?

After decades of bad practises, the real estate market must recover before it thrives.

  • Feb 23, 2018
The NDP’s 2018 B.C. budget makes a long-term commitment to address the housing crisis. News file photo