Representatives of Strength of Unified Lives (SOUL) Society introduced their organization to City of Powell River councillors, advocating for recovery for those living with addiction.
At the August 19 committee of the whole meeting, after a musical presentation about recovery from a performer who goes by the pseudonym Flash Being, Tony Stich said he was representing SOUL, speaking out and uniting lives. He said SOUL is a coalition of lived experience, truth tellers and community advocates.
“Our mission is simple, but urgent,” said Stich. “It’s to expose harm, to end silence and to work towards real recovery-centred solutions in our community. We are here because we care deeply about Powell River and its future, and because we believe there is a better way forward than the path we are currently on.”
Stich said over the past five years, Powell River has felt the effects of BC’s harm-reduction policies.
“We’ve seen an increase in public drug use in the parks, schools and in public spaces, with rising concerns from residents about safety and community liveability,” said Stich. “People in crisis are left without a real option for treatment or recovery.
“We want to be clear. Our concerns are not with individuals who struggle with addiction. We know addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Our concerns are with a system that enables ongoing use without equally investing in prevention.”
Stich said in the community, residents are reporting more public disorder and safety issues, alongside deaths. He said prominent voices within the province are calling harm reduction strategies a disaster, because they sideline prevention.
“SOUL is asking the City of Powell River to publicly support a balanced, four-pillar approach to prevention, treatment, enforcement and harm reduction, rather than focusing exclusively on harm reduction,” said Stich.
He said council should be advocating to the province for increased funding for detox, recovery beds and mental health support right here in Powell River, partnering with SOUL to develop a community strategy for safety that puts both public safety and recovery at the front.
Stich said this is not about politics, it’s about people and it’s about ensuring that neighbours, friends and families have a real chance at recovery, and that the community remains safe and healthy.
“Powell River is a strong, compassionate community,” said Stich. “We believe we can lead by example. Imagine a Powell River where people in crisis can walk into a facility and start treatment the same day, and where public spaces are safe for children and families, not only through keeping people alive, but also helping them to rebuild their lives.
“This is the vision of SOUL and we are willing to make this a reality.”
Along with Stich, SOUL organizers include Dave Marthaller, Brianne Benitz and Emily Holland. In an email, Benitz stated that SOUL was created by community members with lived experience – individuals who have seen firsthand the gaps, failures and impacts of current harm reduction and supportive housing models in the community.
“We came together out of a shared belief that people deserve better – real opportunities for recovery, dignity, accountability and community safety,” stated Benitz.
She added that the purpose of SOUL is to advocate for truth and accountability, promote real recovery pathways, strengthen community safety and unity, and empower lived experience voices.
“We have witnessed supportive housing and harm-reduction programs that enable harm instead of fostering change, leaving residents and the wider community vulnerable,” stated Benitz. “Current systems often operate without community input or transparent results.
“Too many people are stuck in cycles of addiction, homelessness and hopelessness, with some losing their lives unnecessarily. Powell River, and communities like ours, need solutions that work for everyone, not just band-aid policies.”
Benitz stated that SOUL’s vision is a community where individuals are given the tools and opportunities to recover, thrive and contribute meaningfully, where safety, accountability and compassion work hand-in-hand. The mission is to be a unified voice for truth, recovery and dignity by bringing together lived experience, community input and action-oriented solutions.
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