PHOENIX 'A VERY VALUABLE INITIATIVE'

We asked readers and people who had participated in Phoenix for some
feedback about the series, about what they think has changed in the
past year and what needs to happen next. Here is some of what they said.

The Province

Through a series of in-depth articles, The Province's Operation
Phoenix has educated British Columbians about Downtown Eastside
residents and shown many who have overcome adversity and are now
leading productive, healthier lives. These articles have shown how
the face of the Downtown Eastside is not only that of the sad addict
but includes many people who struggle to make a better life. By
highlighting artists, community workers and ordinary hardworking
people, the articles have painted the community more like it really is.

Over the past year, working as I do in the Downtown Eastside, I have
noticed a change in both the physical appearance of the community as
well as the people. Many of the older buildings have been renovated
and brought back to life. People on the streets appear to be holding
their heads higher. A change for the better is definitely taking place.

The province's purchase and renovation of almost 1,000 old hotel
rooms has clearly improved the lives for, well, 1,000 people.
Privatesector organizations and foundations are doing similar work.
There needs to be a continuation of this restoration -- both of the
buildings and, more important, the people.

- -- Judge Thomas Gove, Downtown Community Court

Operation Phoenix was a very valuable initiative, especially because
the problems in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver are a symptom, not
the disease. The problems go beyond. It is a discussion about the
best way, as a rich, industrialized society, to respond to mental
health, addiction, HIV and so on in vulnerable populations such as
the homeless, urban aboriginals and street-entrenched youth. The
solutions need a paradigm shift, not only single interventions.

The changes I've noticed are twofold. The health authorities are
starting to respond to the fact that individuals with addiction and
concurrent disorders are the most underserved and ignored population
and that an appropriate strategy demands a structural change in the
way health care is delivered. Second, the provincial government
started the Homeless Intervention Project to respond to a growing problem.

Beside the obvious need for housing, we need a reorganization of
health services to address the needs of this population. The way
cancer care is provided in B.C. is a good model for building clinical
capacity in connection with innovative research and tertiary care in
an integrated approach between mental health, addiction and physical
health services. The proposal for a B.C. Centre of Excellence in
Addiction and concurrent disorders is under consideration in Victoria.

- -- Michael Krausz, Professor of

Psychiatry at UBC, UBC/Providence Health Care Leadership Chair in
Addiction Research, Centre for Health

Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHEOS), St. Paul's Hospital

I congratulate you on the Phoenix series. I must say, I have found
that over the past year there has been a higher level of awareness of
the problems as a result of your series and the commitment of the
mayor and council to trying to resolve the problem.

However, it is hard to say if the situation has improved, given all
the additional attention and money.

I believe there are many issues that remain to be addressed. However,
I also believe that the opening up of the Woodward's complex will
help regenerate -- not gentrify, but regenerate -- some of the
neighbourhood over time.

- -- Michael Geller, architect and planner

The series has definitely provided more insight into the complex
issues facing the community, helping people put real faces to those
who live and work here, and providing real examples of the many
effective programs operating. At St. James we've very much
appreciated the many generous offers of community support that have
also come from the series. On the flip side, I worry that more than
ever the wider city still views the Downtown Eastside as the "other"
neighbourhood, rather than connecting the dots and realizing the
challenges can't be addressed in isolation.

I'm a relative newcomer to the Downtown Eastside (having only worked
here for two years), but it does seem that there are signs of
encouragement. New shelter capacity and the hotels purchased by the
province and managed by not-for-profits have increased housing
options, while there seems to be greater will at all levels to look
together for the comprehensive answers to challenges like
homelessness that are at the core of issues in the Downtown Eastside.
The absence of a broad and unified vision for the neighbourhood is a
problem, despite the huge number of plans and processes over the
years. There is so much energy and passion here, and, I suspect, much
more that everyone jointly believes rather than that divides. Clearly
the status quo is not acceptable, and we all have to do more to help the

Downtown Eastside achieve sustainability and health while retaining
its identity and capacity as a predominantly lower-and
moderate-income community."

- - -Jonathan Oldman, executive director, St. James Community Service Society

Operation Phoenix has provided a platform for not only the mainstream
media to bring to the forefront important issues that are facing the
most vulnerable in our city and in particular in the Downtown
Eastside, but it has also given individuals and organizations who
might be on the fringe of the mainstream media a voice for their
opinions and concerns as well. Some issues that have been highlighted are:

1. The increase in homelessness in Metro Vancouver.

2. People with mental-health issues living on the streets.

3. The need for additional housing with supports.

4. The increase in police emergency calls regarding mental health.

5. The real cost of services for those who are homeless.

6. Olympic displacement, or the perceived displacement.

Operation Phoenix has indeed provided a platform for all parties who
have a vested interest in making a difference in the lives of the
most vulnerable who are either living on the streets or in
substandard housing. It has shed light on what has been done to make
a difference, but it has certainly brought to everyone's attention
what hasn't worked and what needs to happen! I have seen within the
Downtown Eastside more interaction between service providers and most
certainly more dialogue and action between service providers and
local and provincial governments. It has also given a stronger voice
to other parties who are advocating for those in this community.

Changes that I have seen during this last year have been in the area
of public pressure and, quite possibly, public shame due to the fact
that the issues facing the Downtown Eastside are no longer kept in
the darkness. It is no longer Vancouver's "dirty little secret."
Simply Google or YouTube the Downtown Eastside and see the content.
From a service provider's perspective, it has certainly challenged
us to review our role. Are we called to offer more housing with supports?

Overall, awareness has been increased and issues have been exposed.
The one "magic bullet" to fix the Downtown Eastside: more housing
with supports.

- -- Bill Mollard, president, Union Gospel Mission

"Operation Phoenix has been a thoughtful examination of the problems
faced by those in the Downtown Eastside.

The introduction of Heat Shelters has reduced street disorder, calls
for mental-health issues and created more shelter capacity for those
people with no place to go.

There need to be more drug-treatment programs, better mental-health
care, and the shelters need to be stepping stones to well-run SROs
and supportive housing."

- -- Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu

I believe the project has succeeded in raising public awareness of
the Downtown Eastside and the challenges it faces. It is encouraging
to see that the media has taken a step forward to explore all facets
of the issue in an impartial approach.

I concur that many changes are still needed. I believe the most
important element that would improve the Downtown Eastside is public
participation. Do not avoid visiting the Downtown Eastside based on
anecdotal and stereotypical accounts of a few, and do not be
discouraged by negative media coverage. If we can amass the proper
clout through public participation and support, perhaps it will send
a clear message to the politicians; perhaps it will send a positive
message to the people of Downtown Eastside; perhaps it will send a
stern message to the violators of the law; that as Vancouverites,
British Columbians and Canadians, we do care about our fellow
citizens who are vulnerable and we should be helping them. Take the
first step and come visit the Downtown Eastside, where one will be
sure to discover something that is interesting. Fear is our greatest
enemy; overcome the fear, step forward and one will be bound to find
a hidden gem or two.

- -- Albert Fok, president, Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society

You are doing an excellent job with ideas about ways to save the
Downtown Eastside. As a person with bipolar illness and living stable
now, I thank you for all your hard work.

- -- Reader Michelle, Vancouver Island

I think this has to have been one of the best projects that The
Province has undertaken. It's insightful and, to me, educational. --
Reader Anne Fenton,

New Westminster

I read every Phoenix story with interest. These narratives have not
changed my ideas about the east side of Vancouver. After each story I
read, I was even more disgusted than the last. I do not understand
why I should feel responsible for these individuals' poor choices. In
my opinion, they have a very strong sense of entitlement whereby they
want to continue doing drugs and want taxpayers to feed, clothe and
house them. Where is their accountability for their own actions? I
don't feel sorry for any of them.

- -- Lucy Ryan, Coquitlam

Of your goals, I think you have definitely raised awareness of the
issues of homelessness, mental health, poverty, etc. Your articles
have been provocative and have been the subject of much dialogue.
While I don't always agree with the views of what is broken I am
happy that we are talking about it.

- -- Nancy Keough, The Kettle Friendship Society

I think Operation Phoenix is doing a wonderful job of addressing the
needs here in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

- -- Kecia Fossen, The Salvation Army Harbour Light