The death of longtime Powell River Action Centre Food Bank manager Gina Kendrick this past weekend rang heavy in the Peak offices as we prepared our cover story about the lack of affordable housing in Powell River, as well as a story about Kendrick’s successors at the food bank.
Kendrick spent countless hours tirelessly advocating for the needy, making sure they were fed, and most likely discussing ongoing housing problems with many of them.
We all agree; affordable housing options in Powell River are scarce. Given the absence of any new affordable housing developments in recent years, and the sheer number of residents in desperate need of suitable housing, perhaps we can officially determine that the problem has reached crisis level.
Without government support and cooperation at all levels, organizations advocating for affordable housing are unable to break ground, even if they can find sympathetic developers and builders in the booming market.
Until then, the predominant affordable housing options that fit a low-income person’s meagre budget are often run-down, pest-ridden apartments that are unhealthy and unsafe.
A housing project proposed in late 2015 by Powell River Education Services Society to provide a mere six beds at the former Olive Devaud Residence was unable to move past preliminary stages. City of Powell River officials blocked its opening, citing concerns about the building’s changing occupancy and use. Neighbours of the building complained about what they saw as an emergency homeless shelter.
Well, guess what? This is an emergency. The city, other levels of government and community members need to band together to find housing for people, to help them, and not wait for the perfect scenario that pleases all interest groups and probably will never exist.
Gina Kendrick made an immediate, impactful difference in our community every day. She helped many, many people at the food bank who are living in poverty. Kendrick’s loss will be felt for some time; she did the right thing, advocating for and taking action.
It is time for other generous, caring and motivated individuals to step up and begin tangible, results-driven advocacy for those in our community who are in desperate need of food to eat and places to live.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
