A Call for Affordable Housing, Social Services, and Destigmatization to Relieve Vancouver’s Homelessness Crisis

Abstract

This paper was originally written for Dr. Ayls Avalos-Rivera ENGL 114W course Language and Purpose. The assignment asked students to write a persuasive essay that will present a problem, propose a solution, and asses its feasibility. The paper uses APA 7th ed. citation style.  

Homelessness is one of the most prominent problems Vancouver faces. Along with the addiction and mental health crises, the city has been struggling to support its under-housed citizens with the chronically homeless population, referring to the people who’ve lived on the streets for more than a year, increasing three times in size since 2005. Encampments found in Strathcona Park and along the busy city streets showcase the struggle a large population of Vancouverites face in their day-to-day lives to survive. Population growth is due to a lack of social services, gentrification, and stigmatization. Illegal evictions, gentrification of poor areas, and the views of Vancouverites on the chronically homeless all contribute to the problem. The City of Vancouver’s solution of the crisis includes developing temporary modular housing to efficiently shelter the underhoused. Additionally, addiction, mental health, and social services will be made available to residents of these developments. Destigmatization of the chronically homeless is crucial for the success of the city’s plan and the well-being of all Vancouverites.