2007-02-22 - The Georgia Straight - City Fails to Protect SROs

There is a large social stigma attached to SRO units. This article reminds us that occupants are not all mentally ill or a drug abusers. Some are simply poor. In a city as expensive as Vancouver, it is a matter of affordability. An SRO unit is not the desirable choice but the only housing available on a welfare-shelter allowance. It is important to cite the difference between and SRO and a shelter. For many, SROs mean a semi-permanent home, while a shelter is only a temporary situation

SROs are important because they fall within the jurisdiction of the city. The author accuses the mayor “reactively managing the DTES housing crisis as opposed to proactively solving it.” The $5000/unit fine has been raised to $15,000 but this will still not solve the problem. It makes economic and social sense to provide SRO units, given the comparatively high costs of supplying shelters or jail cells. Perhaps the Olympics will be a blessing in disguise and finally force the city to address its decisions more wisely? Remains to be seen…

2007-02-22 - The Georgia Straight - City Fails to Protect SROs