Today, Miriam, Donald and I Walked together through a different part of Vancouver. I had read an article about a housing project that the city of Vancouver had built that I was interested in, so we incorporated it into our Walk.
The reason I felt the project was important to see, is because it is one way that Vancouver is working to help provide temporary housing for homeless and displaced individuals.
When we arrived at the building, we saw a gentleman (Bill) sitting outside at a table, enjoying a cup of coffee. I approached him and immediately he noticed my t-shirt. I explained the Walk, and asked if I could join him for a bit. He graciously agreed, and for the next half an hour, the four of us had a conversation about the shortage of available housing, and this project specifically.
There are forty units in this building, each about 250 square feet with a kitchen and a bath. The buildings are made off site, shipped to the location and assembled in just a few days. Bill indicated that the walls are built with soundproofing in between them, so the units are quiet and comfortable.
In Bill’s case, the building he had been in burned down, and he was able to be placed in one of the modular units until his new apartment is rebuilt.
This particular set of tiny homes is scheduled to be on its current site for five years. Because of their unique design, the entire structure can be moved to another location if the need arises. That means that if the city needs the land the homes are on, the residents would need to move, but they would not be put out onto the street.
As we spoke with Bill, I had the feeling that he was happy in spite of the misfortune of being forced from his home because of a fire. I felt as if he could have been the spokesperson for these homes. Although Bill didn’t have much, he said he was happy in his place, and that he felt fortunate to have a place to be.
For this Peace Walker, this is a prime example of ways to help people in times that are particularly difficult. It is an innovative, collaborative approach to assisting an ever expanding circle of people who might otherwise be on the streets.
Thank you, Vancouver for your example of how to help our fellow human beings find dignity, respect and perhaps a little Peace.