‘DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE CONNECT’ OPENS AT WOODWARD’S

VANCOUVER – British Columbians, media and visitors to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games can learn about the partnerships and investments improving the quality of life for people in the Downtown Eastside at an information centre opened today by Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

“The Province subsidizes over 7,000 social and supportive housing units annually and is protecting another 1,280 affordable apartments in this Vancouver neighbourhood,” said Coleman. “The Connect centre shows how these investments have made a positive difference both socially and economically for Downtown Eastside residents because of the strong partnerships between the Province, City of Vancouver, non-profit groups and the private sector.”

The centre, Downtown Eastside Connect at Woodward’s, features a wide range of information available in a variety of formats, showcasing innovative housing, social and economic development programs. The centre will assist international media to produce stories about the neighbourhood by connecting them with non-profit organizations that create positive changes in the community.

“We're proud of the efforts of the city and our partners in the Downtown Eastside,” said Robertson. “With over 30 non-profit groups, BC Housing, and City staff participating at the centre, we want to tell our stories, share our successes, and ensure that the world sees that Vancouver is a compassionate city that is working hard to solve these issues in our community.”

In addition to the work of the non-profit agencies, the centre highlights a number of housing and homelessness issues, including homeless outreach work, emergency shelters, the Homelessness Intervention Project, Single Room Occupancy hotels, last fall’s Real People Real Lives photo storytelling exhibit, and the supportive housing now being built by the Province with non-profit groups on 14 City-owned sites. Other initiatives surrounding economic development, policing and the Downtown Community Court are also featured.

The centre is open to anyone who wants to find out more about the Downtown Eastside.

“The Downtown Eastside is a low-income community that is made up of people, not statistics. People who live or work outside of the Downtown Eastside may be surprised to find out some of the creative things that are going on, in an attempt to improve people's lives,” said Liz Evans, executive director and founder, PHS Community Services Society. “I’m grateful this media hub will be able to highlight these initiatives during the Olympic period rather than defining the community in a purely negative light, because in spite of the often extreme challenges that people face, the community has incredible strength, passion and resilience.”

The centre also offers an exhibit featuring The Province newspaper’s year-long investigative feature series about the Downtown Eastside, Operation Phoenix. The paper invested significant resources to cover many issues unique to the neighbourhood, and centre visitors will be able to see much of the work on display in one place.

The space is being provided rent-free by the developer of Woodward’s, Westbank Projects. The renovations and improvements to make the space usable are being provided through an in-kind sponsorship by VanMar Constructors. The majority of the costs involved in the production of the information material are being covered by sponsorship funding from GBL Architects and Terra Housing Consultants. The private sector and partners are loaning the furnishings and most of the material being showcased.

Downtown Eastside Connect at Woodward’s is open 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily for the month of February 2010, except for the weekend of Feb. 6-7. It is located in the Woodward’s courtyard at 142 W. Cordova.

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Media Contacts:
Susan Thom
BC Housing
604 439-4715
604 230-1301(cell)

Ryan Merkley
City of Vancouver
604 871-6336