Tent cities are not ideal, but who has a better suggestion for now?

Let me start by saying critics are right that suggesting a regulated tent city as a short-term solution for the homelessness crisis, as I have done, is a sad commentary on the lack of action from all of levels of government.

Is a tent city the best solution? No.

Is it even a middle solution? No.

It's a temporary solution only to be considered if we can't get affordable housing opened now or the government refuses to open more shelter beds -- both of which are my preferred options.

Housing Minister Rich Coleman and Vancouver Mayor Sullivan have been quick to condemn the suggestion by saying it won't solve homelessness.

They're right it won't, but that's not the point. Leaving people on the street as we're doing isn't an option.

So what could a regulated tent city do? It could provide temporary safe shelter for those on the street who are living in our community's parks, alleys and doorways. Many are mentally ill or are dealing with drug addiction, or both.

Tent cities exist throughout the province already; they are just unregulated and ignored.

But isn't there enough housing for the homeless already?

That's what Coleman would have you believe in his claims to The Province and other papers. But according to figures approved by his own ministry, there are only 686 full-time shelter beds in Vancouver, while the homeless count showed there are over 1547 people on the street.

This is not even half of the housing that would have to be available if his claim was true. Little wonder the homelessness crisis has got out of hand.

Some have criticized the tent-city idea because of Vancouver's experience with the protest camps and the lack of safety for campers.

Seattle and Portland, though, have well-managed tent cities where these problems are not the issue they were here. They move every 90 days so as not to put too much burden on local communities, and are generally located on church grounds and other private land.

I believe there are numerous suitable locations throughout Metro Vancouver. A safe tent city can be done, if managed well.

Many have argued we need long-term solutions for homelessness. I agree entirely. But with close to 1,600 homeless people in Vancouver alone and over 10,000 province-wide, are we asking our communities to wait another two, four or 10 years until the problem is solved?

It's inhumane to condemn those without homes to the streets for years until we get affordable housing built.

I would bet that if Minister Coleman, Premier Campbell or Mayor Sullivan were told they had to live on the street until something was done, we would have a solution tomorrow.

I would like to appeal to those who have criticized my suggestion for a tent city to make their own suggestions.

Let's get these people into supportive homes now.

Contact Vancouver park commissioner Spencer

Herbert through his website at www.spencerherbert.ca.


Spencer Herbert, Special to The Province
Published: Friday, August 15, 2008