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Letter: Pandemic response a vital & long overdue step to ending homelessness

The Editor, Re: “ ‘A watershed moment’: Port Moody, Port Coquitlam mayors join call to end homelessness ” (Tri-City News, July 6).
Homeless and homelessness advocates begin erecting an encampment next to the 3030 Gordon shelter in
Homeless and homelessness advocates begin erecting an encampment next to the 3030 Gordon shelter in Coquitlam, June 13, 2019.

The Editor,

Re: “‘A watershed moment’: Port Moody, Port Coquitlam mayors join call to end homelessness” (Tri-City News, July 6).

We are encouraged by the recent article in the Tri-City News announcing Mayors Vagramov and West, along with leaders from 14 other municipalities requesting support from federal and provincial governments to do more to combat homelessness. 

The letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier John Horgan urging federal and provincial governments to bring a “decisive program forward that will build a society that is ultimately better than ever” at a time when it is needed now more than ever. 

Although the ultimate decision to bring supportive housing with wrap-around services to our area is in the hands of municipal politicians, it is imperative all levels of government work together. What we are seeing as a response to the global pandemic is a vital step to our goal of ending homelessness and is long overdue.

On behalf of the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task group we offer our gratitude and full support in opening the door to housing solutions in the Tri-Cities.

Patricia Sonier & Cristina Pereira, Co-Chair, Tri-Cities Homelessness & Housing Task Group