Our Mission is to eliminate barriers, both physical and societal, that prevent individuals who have complex unmet needs from being fully integrated into society. Our goal is to assist them in successfully achieving more fulfilling, empowered and independent lives.
The unfortunates who suffer homelessness on the streets of Vancouver are ten times more likely to contract Hepatitis C then that of the national average. The H.I.V. rate on the Downtown Eastside is worse than the epidemic in Africa. How is it that our society allows this condition to persist in one of the richest countries on the planet? Our collective shame is found in our silence. While we Canadians pour billions of dollars and human sacrifice into distant war regions, our streets are lined with homeless, hopeless human tragedies yet we allow the suffering to continue. When will we Canadians tell our three levels of government that they need to resolve this critical issue? When and where do we draw the line? Does anyone reading this truly believe that the people in these photographs are homeless by choice? Throwing money at the challenges doesn't work. Solutions are built by collaboration in the community and regardless of our personal agendas. Affordable housing, not cheap or social housing, has to happen to address this man made disaster. Affordable housing reflects the community; and so typically, rents would be geared to income rather than a fixed rate which is currently the norm in the poorest postal code in Canada. The governments seem to think that shelters are the answer, we say no. The answer to homelessness is HOMES!
Saved From The Street.....WITH YOUR HELP!
Image:
Downtown Eastside Abilities Link Society [D.E.A.L.S.], was founded by disabled people and for other disabled people. We assist human beings overcome barriers in their life through negotiation, mediation, counselling and facilitation. Our approach is holistic; we work with those who have physical and mental health issues and who are hard to house and hard on housing. Our work takes us to the back alley ways of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside as we provide exit strategies for youth and others. Leaving the "life" can be challenging and so we begin with the notion that wellness begins with housing. A safe place to live and keep their "stuff." For more information please contact us at:info@dealsociety.comor 778-242-3216
