‘It’s miserable’: CRAB Park resident can’t wait to leave as province finalizes action plan for encampments
Global News
Two months after David Eby promised to address encampments on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, the province is finalizing an action plan to get vulnerable populations housed.
Two months after B.C. Premier David Eby promised to address encampments on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the province is finalizing an action plan to get the most vulnerable population housed.
“It’s a balance between wanting to do it fast but also wanting to do it right,” Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon told Global News in an interview.
“So that we’re not just causing more disruption and making it even harder for those people to find stability in their lives.”
While there has been a noticeable reduction in the number of tents along Hastings Street and in CRAB Park, Kahlon said his government continues to work with partners and stakeholders on the path forward.
After about eight months at CRAB Park, Shawn Dunbar said he can’t wait to get out.
“It’s miserable,” Dunbar told Global News as rain drenched tents on Sunday.
The encampment on the western edge of the public park’s waterfront was established in May 2021, and is still home to some two dozen people, including Dunbar and his partner.
The couple moved to B.C. from Ontario three years ago, and according to Dunbar, became homeless when a live-work arrangement in Kelowna ended.