The Shift doesn’t just report on the DTES. Our writers live and breathe its reality — and always stop to offer help.
Amy Romer
Local Journalism Initiative DTES Beat Reporter/Mentor
It was the rainiest Aug. 15 in over a century — and naturally, the only day the full 14-person team from Megaphone’s The Shift peer newsroom could gather for a crucial photo shoot.
As the downpour soaked our team, slogging through puddles to reach three streetside backdrops, Richard Young and others noticed a man lying flat on his back, growing paler by the moment and utterly still.
“Hey man, are you OK?” Richard called, stepping closer.
A few of us crowded around, tense, watching for signs of life.
With no response, Richard knelt down beside him.
“Hey man, are you OK?”
Still nothing.
“Does anyone have a naloxone kit?” he asked, panic rising.
Michael Geilen, another writer, always carries one clipped to the front of his jeans.
As Michael handed it over, Richard lowered his ear to the man’s mouth. No breath. His eyes rolled back.
“Hey man, time to wake up,” Richard shouted, gently shaking his foot.
Meanwhile, the team moved like a well-oiled machine, preparing the naloxone and readying to dial 911.
Then, a flicker of movement — his eyes began to open. As relief washed over our sodden team, Richard, on his knees, helped him to a seated position, and the man, whose name we don’t know, began thanking him. His gratitude was clear.
Anyone who walks the streets of the DTES often witnesses scenes like this. Most people pass by, driven by fear or a lack of compassion.
The Shift doesn’t just report on the DTES — our writers live and breathe its reality. Through their actions, they show us why telling these stories matters, why voices from the street deserve to be seen and heard. That day, soaked to the bone, we were reminded that the simplest act — stopping, checking, helping — can ripple far beyond the puddles at our feet.
For more information about how to help, check out a story in Megaphone’s April 2025 edition (Naloxone 101: Tips for saving a life) for a reminder on how to spot the signs of an overdose and how to administer injectable naloxone, which is free from any overdose or drug testing site, as well as most B.C. pharmacies.
Download a free copy of the issue here: https://megaphonemagazine.com/online-store/DIGITAL-Back-Issue-Magazine-April-2025-p771475068
Amy Romer is an award-winning writer and photojournalist based in Squamish. She is a mentor for The Shift peer newsroom and is Megaphone’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter.
Amy Romer
Local Journalism Initiative DTES Beat Reporter/Mentor
Amy Romer is an award-winning journalist and visual storyteller based in Squamish, British Columbia. Her work focuses primarily on human rights and the environment. She is a National Geographic Explorer. She is also mentoring members of The Shift Peer Newsroom as Megaphone's Local Journalism Initiative DTES Beat Reporter/Mentor. Visit amyromer.com to view her work.
Rooted in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, we're committed to amplifying voices that are overlooked by mainstream media. We’re actively growing our team of storytellers and journalists to serve our community.
More about our Peer Newsroom“Why "The Shift?" So the framework of Megaphone magazine can “shift” to being a more inclusive street paper, empowering those with lived and living experience to tell the stories that matter the most to them and their communities.”
Paula Carlson Editorial Director
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