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Saying yes in my backyard

September 29th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Saying yes in my backyard)

An online YIMBY toolkit from Vancouver’s Pivot Legal Society may be coming soon to a neighbourhood near you

NIMBY is an acronym for “not in my backyard” used to describe a person who objects to something they perceive as unpleasant or potentially dangerous in their own neighborhood. YIMBY—“yes, in my backyard”— is a lesser known antonym to NIMBY. The term YIMBY first emerged in the late 1980s and is used to describe people who understand the value of addressing homelessness, addictions, and mental illness in a proactive and positive way and are active in welcoming new projects and people into their neighbourhoods. (more…)

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Preserving restorative justice

September 29th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Preserving restorative justice)

Advocates fear the federal government’s strong emphasis on incarceration and punishment will push healing to the side

The federal government’s emphasis on incarceration and punishment in response to crime has created concern that restorative justice approaches are being pushed to the background. The government describes restorative justice as “one way to respond to a criminal act” but a former federal ombudsman for victims of crime says “In reality, there’s no interest from this government (in restorative justice).” What does this mean for the future of restorative justice in Canada?

We speak with three people who have experienced—and studied—restorative justice. (more…)

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Advocates praise sex trade strategy

September 22nd, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Advocates praise sex trade strategy)

PACE Society is pleased that the City of Vancouver has finally taken a position and steps toward a sex trade policy

A new strategy on the sex trade developed by the City of Vancouver [opens to PDF] is intended to provide a comprehensive framework and action plan to address sexual exploitation and the negative effects of sex work. The strategy is considered to be part of Vancouver’s Urban Health Initiative, which works to take a comprehensive approach to difficult social issues including homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness. (more…)

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Is new housing a ‘nightmare’?

September 22nd, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Is new housing a ‘nightmare’?)

Opponents to a new housing project for teenage girls say it must exist outside the DTES, away from pimps, predators

Atira Women’s Resource Society has opened an 18-unit single room accommodation facility for young women in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. The Society says it is responding to an urgent need for low barrier supportive housing for girls and young women who are homeless or in unsafe conditions.

But opposition to the move has been fierce and considerable. Most of the concern seems to focus on the location—and use of a building in the Downtown Eastside. But other concerns have been expressed about the process that led to the project’s opening—and plans for the way it will operate. (more…)

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A unique invitation goes out

September 22nd, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on A unique invitation goes out)

As Nanaimo social housing projects experience predictable, continuing opposition, citizens are invited down to the 7-10

The City of Nanaimo’s 2008 homelessness action plan [opens to PDF] estimated there were anywhere from two to three hundred individuals sleeping outside or in their vehicles or makeshift shelters—and hundreds more living in unsafe or unstable conditions and vulnerable to losing their housing and becoming homeless. The situation had generated considerable concern for Nanaimo residents, government agencies, service providers and elected officials and led to a general recognition of the need for a collective response. (more…)

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Author makes third Great Lake Walk

September 15th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Andy Sibbald will walk to benefit Columbian Centre Society and its mental health programs on Saturday September 17

Andy Sibbald is a Nanaimo author with an interest in the Canadian arctic, mental health, addictions and satire. He’s been working on a trilogy of books for teens called Ishigaq. Andy is also working on a book called The Trubble with Normall that is about a man who struggles with mental health and addictions issues throughout his life.

The Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon is a 56 kilometre walk or run around Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It takes place each September; the next walk is Saturday September 17th. Andy plans to participate, for the third time, in the Great Lake Walk, and he while he walks he raises funds for Columbian Centre Society. (more…)

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