Help Save the Rainier Hotel!























This afternoon, I left my apartment with the intention of going for a walk in Kitsilano to do a little bit of Christmas shopping. As I approached the bus stop I noticed the Vancouver Police Department had blocked off the intersection at Broadway and Fir. It wasn't very clear what was going on so I walked down to get a closer look to check out the situation. The closer I got I realized that it was a protest march - and then I saw the familiar shade of fuschia poking out of the crowd - the CUPE flag! There was a float at the front along with the vibrant sounds of a dixieland band and the marchers carried signs, black coffins and banners in support of the Rainer Hotel. It was a strong image that was tasteful and and a great example of the power of respectful civil disobedience. Well organized and well planned - mad props to CUPE 1004 for organizing.
Marching along Broadway -
what a procession!
I ran into one of the exec members of CUPE 1004 and asked what was up. Workers, community members, residents were holding a New Orleans funeral for the Rainier Hotel.  The Rainier Hotel is/was the only treatment and recovery facility for women on the DTES. The government has slashed funding which essentially removes most of the programming available to these women,leaving it as solely an SRO (single room occupancy) facility - basically a place to sleep, no programs or activities. It's not news that the situation on the DTES is dire, especially for women. Most facilities are geared towards men and unfortunately any coed facility is dangerous for women, making their chances of getting raped or going missing, much higher; the streets become a safer option. Sad.

I was fortunate to speak with one of the mental health care workers on the ground in the DTES. She was passionate and honest about the work she's done at the Rainier. She explained some of the programs in more detail. The Safety Circle was a safe place where women could go to share and delve into what it is that makes them susceptible to addiction and to have a supportive environment to discover those answers. Various spiritual sessions are offered - everything from aboriginal prayer circles to yoga to gardening. Traditional twelve step programs were popular and seemed to work for these particular residents. They had cooking and baking circles where they would cook and eat together.  They built circles of trust and formed a safe community. These programs delivered by dedicated staff are important to the survival of these women. Anything that prevents another woman from dying on our streets or disappearing into the night needs to exist and we need to support these women in their transition and the workers who help them. 
Supporters holding signs outside of the
 Premier's office on 4th Ave

The 20+ blocks went by fast. When we got to Christy Clark's office the band played the whole group into a verse of Amazing Grace and a couple of verses of You Are My Sunshine. The black coffins lined the street and we got word that Christy was doing an interview with CBC and that she'd be out to thank everyone for coming (whether she did or not, I'm not sure). There were about 3 speakers who all spoke with passion and genuine belief in the resiliency of the community. It was such a weird balance of inspiration and hope,  despair and heartbreak. 
Outside of Christy Clark's Office - Vancouver Point Grey
In a city that declares that it has one of the highest standards of living in the world, it's shameful that we need to fight to keep facilities like the Rainier Hotel open when the need is so apparent.  You never know. I could need that facility one day. My best friend. Your mother, your sister, a cousin, a co-worker, an aunt, a neighbour...a couple of bad decisions or unfortunate circumstances, any one of us could find ourselves in a similar situation. 

 The video below shows how important this is to our community.



Please help  - please write to your MLA, city councillor, the mayor, the Premier and tell them that it is vital that they restore funding to the Rainier Hotel. 

Christy Clark - premier@gov.bc.ca

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