Homeless Help In Vancouver
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In my on going series of articles about the homeless situation, I continue to find as part of my research more and more stories that I would like to share with you. Some how I feel a connection the more involved I get with this topic. I also feel the need to get these stories out and possibly become a small voice for these unfortunate people, who many were put in this position by no choice of their own.
You come to realize that homelessness is not just a problem here in the United States, but a world wide problem. And getting more common everyday.
So I just happen to have a story from another country....Vancouver Canada. How appropriate with the winter Olympics going on now.
Vancouver Truck Companies Vision
A trucking company in Canada by the name of Shadow Lines Transportation Group, headed by Mr Rob Reid, conceived the Temporary Homeless Relief Shelter and runs the project in conjunction with a local street ministry who has a long record of helping the homeless.
Reid had mentioned several times that he has seen a lot of homeless people and has always wanted to maybe give up a Christmas to cook or volunteer in some way. So he decided why not give them a warm dry secure place to sleep. It was probably something more of value to them, other than food.
So as you can see by the picture the project consists of an old 40 foot long shipping container, which will provide shelter for up to 16 homeless people.
The container was retired but Reid felt it still had at least 20-30 more years in it's life cycle.
The Conversion
The initial (shelter) cost approximately $100,000, and their operating costs will probably be around $300-$400 a day for every day it's out there, which will be 7 days a week for the winter months.
The cost also includes a special winch-equipped truck Reid commissioned to move the shelter. The truck would be able to handle up to 6 of these units.
Self Sufficient
The container as I stated can provide up to 16 homeless people shelter for the night. It has 2 beds per room. Reid says his number one concern was that no danger would come to anybody. So they went with hot water heat and a new hot water furnace. They also went with 12-volt lighting so they wouldn't have to run a generator. The shelter is self sufficient for up to 12 hours thanks to a bank of batteries, and they feel they could stretch that to 36 hours if need be.
It also has other features such as reading lights, and a handicapped accessible washroom.
The shelter is designed to be delivered every evening, and picked up at dawn, pressure washed, disinfected and recharged, and then returned to the site the next day.
Thanks to a collaboration with NightShift Street Ministries, the shelter and the site are monitored and staffed by competent and caring people.
Also the site has a 6 foot high fence around it which sets up in about 15 minutes, where there are no in-and-out privileges, even though the doors are not locked. This prevents any one from going out getting a six pack or some lady for the evening. They will not let it turn into some kind of flophouse.
All in all it takes about 30-40 minutes to set up everything and it's good to go.
The Red Tape And Politics
Reid says he would like to see three or four more of these shelters in Vancouver, and get them okayed for Calgary and Edmonton, where he also has operations.
He would also like to see the concept taken below the 49th parallel. "It's so easy," Reid says.
The resources are there in the States, they just need to tap into them for the homeless.
The problem he is running into when talking to the cities is they all just love the concept but as soon as you get 20 of them together in a room, someone will shoot it down. (So typical!)
Homelessness is a touchy issue, everyone wants to do something, but often do nothing. They usually end up working with a non-profit organization most of which have religious connotations to them.
Also Reid will run across the bureaucrats and the first thing they will ask is, "what are you looking for?". Here is a man who has come up with an idea to help the homeless, he maintains them, he has insurance for them and it still isn't enough. How sad is that?
Reid says "it's a great concept", and he won't give up. He feels it's the right thing to do, and will back all the costs. They just have to get it past the politicians. Now that Mr. Reid is easier said than done! I wish you all the luck in the world for what you are doing. They say good things come to those that wait, I have a feeling good things will be coming your way soon.
If you would like to contact Mr Reid and let him know the wonderful job he is doing, or maybe even make a donation to the cause. Contact him through their web-site here. Thanks.
More stories to come, stay tuned.
Other Stories I Have Written On The Homeless
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another great, informative article K. ideas are what change a situation, once they're acted on. this could possibly be the beginning of having a temporary solution for these people.
there will always be homeless people, that won't change, but there have to be decent, caring ways to handle this situation.
it's nice that you feel that connection and want to be a voice. that's how change takes place, with one voice sounding out to others. another feels the connection... on and on. great work!
Hi Amber, you're right, a very simple concept. I hope they catch on too.. Thanks Kerry.
Thanks for the kind comment rebkah. You hit it on the head, there will always be homeless people, sad as that is, but this very well could be a temporary solution if it catches on. Thanks again Kerry
Thanks for spreading the word about a smart solution to a difficult problem. Every Olympic host city should have this set up built-in to the budget/city planning as the percentage of homeless people always increases. Thumbs up to you and to Mr. Reid.
Thanks Green Lotus, I always appreciate your comments. This concept should be subsidized by all communities, $100,000 is a drop in the bucket. What are they spending for air, train, and bus tickets to ship them all over the place? I thank you and Mr Reid does too. K.
Great story K! What a wonderful idea. I'm Hooked! Can't wait to read more.
Thank you Hokey. It is a very simple idea also don't you think? Yep keep checking back because this topic is far from being resolved. K.
oh this is a nice concept, it will suffice for the meantime but need to go on, I am glad and happy that you are the spokeperson of the homeless, GOOD job and stay warm K, I am really glad youre on and about again, YEHEY, Maita
Hi Maita, thank you as always. Yes this is only a band-aide on a huge problem, but it is a start. Take care. Kerry
Wow this is really something. I really hope he can get this done through all the red tape. I am Canadian so I am doubly impressed. Thanks for the information. I visited the site briefly but I will go back to check it out more thoroughly maybe there is some way I could help the cause. Great hub!
The world is fortunate to have people like Mr. Reid who are willing to risk a chance to help others. The world is even more fortunate for people like you, Kerry, who take the responsibility of bringing forth for others to see. Well done!
fascinating idea... the Canadians are way ahead of the US on this issue.
What a great way to take care of the homeless. I agree with Carolina, as I don't know of any such program in the U.S. Great idea and great hub.
Man this is an awful predicament everywhere! Good to see you raising about it, K...I just watched a documentary about it on the news the other day...so sad and makes me so thankful for I have!!!!
Hi Tammy, I hope this catches on too all over. Thanks for stopping and hope you do come back. Thanks K.
Hi Beth how goes it? You are too kind, Mr Reid deserves all the credit. I am doing only what I feel is right, to be a voice for the unfortunate. We all need to get their stories out there. You take care. Kerry
Carolina, hope all is well with you. Thanks, I believe this is a great idea too, so simple and so cheap really. Temporary but a start anyway. K.
Hi Pam, thank you. Isn't this something? I hope it catches on here quickly too. K.
Hi Ann, you got that right I'm so thankful for what I have also. We need more documentaries on this topic, it's not going away any time soon. Thanks K.
I think the idea is awesome - I took a drive into downtown Vancouver over the Olympics, and I noticed how less congested with people it was. I hope these trailers stay long after the Olympics is gone!
Hi Enelle, Thanks for the comment. I think it would be a great idea if it caught on all over....the states included. We'll see how it goes. K.
Awesome! Just Awesome! Well done! I have a heart for the homeless as well. This is an awesome idea! Thanks for the article!
Thanks Paper for your comment and reading my article. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes we have to get the stories out there no matter how painful it is. K.
What an amzing idea! I really iked this Hub. Homelessness is such a terrible thing, and so many are homeless. Your concern is very moving.
Love and peace
Tony
What a great idea! Thank you!
Hi Tony, thanks for stopping by, I agree what a great and simple idea, I just had to write about it and hopefully others with a vision like Mr Reid will run with it too. Thanks Kerry
Kaie, nice to see you here, I agree thanks again Kerry.
Hi, this is a great idea, but as you said, so much red tape. There is always someone who will try and stop something so important. thanks for the info. cheers nell
Hi Nell, thanks for stopping. It's a great idea I agree. The red tape is always a problem. We need to get past that for sure. thanks K.
K,
You are to be applauded for your humanitarian efforts, spreading the word, and exhibiting the compassion these folks so desperately need -- in addition to shelter.
I've housed dozens of homeless people / families over the past two decades. It gives me the opportunity to truly know them, their story, and try to do my small part in making a difference. In EVERY instance, the homeless person/family was NOT to blame. I've been on the verge of homelessness myself, and it is frightening especially when you have children.
These mobile shelters are ingenius. I don't know that I understand why the daily operating cost would be so high, but I'm sure I'm overlooking something. At $400 per half-day for 8 rooms / 16 people, these folks could be put up in a hotel room overnight (a cheap hotel at $50 per room, but a room would hold more people -- up to 4). Just a thought.
Thanks again for taking the time to bring attention to such an important issue.
Hi Lynda, thank you for your kind comment. Sounds like you are really doing your part too. It is a frightening thought to ever be homeless and with kids I could not imagine it. I'm so thankful for what i have! The cost to operate these shelters is at no cost to the homeless, Mr Reid actually maintains and absorbs the cost to provide these. So it's not a bad deal for the families or people who benefit from it. Mr Reid is just trying to get some help from the communities to possibly off set these costs. Thanks again K.
Having been homeless a time or two, I can relate and am sympathetic to the state of homelessness. It is encouraging to know some people with the means are helping on a larger scale. I do what I can and keep trying to do more. Great to see you writing about this, Holly
Great idea, and great hub! Disgusting about the red tape. You can bet that if someone figured out a way to make money off of the homeless there would be no red tape!
@ Holly, Hi Holly thanks for stopping by. Thanks for your comment and good luck to you too. I've never been homeless but I am very thankful for all I have. I will write and do all I can every chance I get. K.
@ GoGranny, Hi nice to have you here. You're right it's a shame the red tape people who honestly want to try have to go through. Let's pray some day the powers that be will wake up. Until then we have to get this out there. Thanks again K.
K,
What a great hub! I have been homeless for a short time as well. What a wake up call that was! I think it is easy for the average person to say, 'why doesn't that person just get a job?' Finding employment while having no shelter is basically impossible. Recently I tried to do some work towards helping the homeless here in San Francisco, and it felt like I was trying to swim upstream.
Getting the word out is extremely important. There is no excuse for how many individuals in wealthy countries go without shelter, food, medical care, and basic sanitation. Keep up the great work!
Hi Norah, thanks for the kind comment. I understand where you're coming from even though I've never been homeless, but trying to get anything done is like beating your head against the wall! What a shame. Please don;t get discouraged, any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help too. K.
What a great idea! Atlanta could use a few!
Thanks for stopping Habee. These are needed all over the US unfortunately. K.
Terrific hub. Now this is a common sense solution that works.
Thanks breakfast. I thought it was ingenious too! K.
Very interesting. Great Hub
Thanks Glenn. K.
now we got one more important fact, HOME.
really nice hub! politician should also give importance to it more than international affairs.
Hi errum, thank you for your comment. And hope to see you soon. K.
Judging from the number of people who gather at intersections and freeway exits, there are more homeless people in Detroit than at any time in my memory in the past 50 years. It was worse in the 1930s. And government agencies and charities who help the homeless are have fewer resources thanks to the recession's effect on tax revenues and charitable donations. Nice job on a tough subject!
Hi Ralph, nice to see you here. I always say charity begins at home. Although the gesture is nice abroad, we need to start taking care of our own right here in the US. Sure donations may be down, but not as much as you may think. It's funny how we the American people can come through with the money when it's someone outside the US that needs it. Thanks again K.
giving home to homeless is considered as one of the best thing in this world.. You have given some of the very good ideas to provide homes to the homeless.. thanks for sharing..
terro, hello and thank you for your comment. I hope you come back often. K.
I live not far from Vancouver and I remember seeing this article in the paper. Now that I have found your hub with the website link I will be writing the "powers that be" to cast my two cents in on why this idea should be supported rather than thwarted. Great Hub and Thank You!
Hello raisingme, thanks for the comment and please do write the powers that be. Every little bit helps. K.
This is such a simple idea! I can't believe places like Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton have shot it down! I'm a lobbyist who's been discussing homeless and poverty issues with several candidates in my municipality's election. Do you mind if I show them a copy of this hub?
By the way, I found this article to be quite informative and usefull, and very well written!
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Amber Allen Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago
The concept of these shelters is such a simple idea I really hope they do catch on.