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EDITORIAL: Province active in homeless solution

British Columbia has shown that it listens to and cares for its citizens
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British Columbia has shown that it listens to its citizens. And it shows with equal importance that it cares.

In a partnership between the City of Vernon and the Province, Vernon will soon develop two new modular-housing projects to combat homelessness issues in the community.

“It’s deeply concerning when anyone, anywhere is living on the street or in a ravine or in a park,” Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson told the city during a press conference Wednesday.

Vernon Coun. Juliette Cunningam, who has championed finding a resolution since the issue was first plastered across Vernon headlines and the hot-topic of debate in The Morning Star letters page, said the news is monumental for the community.

“It’s not been easy. But you know, we don’t give up. This is what happens when you don’t give up,” Cunningham said of the decision to fund a 53-unit supporting housing complex and a 45-bed expansion of a shelter operated by the John Howard Society.

The complex and expansion, capable of accommodating nearly 100 people, are slated to open early in the new year.

And while the decision comes with an $11 million price tag and a province-wide bill equalling a hefty $291 million for the B.C. government, it’s a decision that had to be made.

Cunningham and Robinson are right. No one, regardless of where they are in their life, should be left out in the streets.

And while the additional units may not succeed in freeing everyone from the depths of homelessness, it’s a Goliath step in the right direction.


@VernonNews
newstips@vernonmorningstar.com

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