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Let’s be more neighbourly

Unhoused people are actively criminalized on both sides of the border, being told to go anywhere but here

March 19, 2025

We live in interesting times. This Chinese proverb comes to mind regularly. In fact, it is a curse you wish upon someone else; living through “interesting times” is not desirable. Instead, we usually seek a life that is calm and predictable. Experiencing such a life is an incredible privilege that underscores why these times seem so “interesting.”

After working in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), I am now acutely aware of this privilege.

Many in our society do not experience calmness or consistency. Individuals and families living in poverty or homelessness face constant challenges, hardships and general insecurity. Meanwhile, as our society grapples with homelessness nationwide, even our most well-meaning leaders often attempt to sweep the problem under the rug — passing it on to the next generation. But this issue is not going away.

On June 28, the Supreme Court of the United States reversed an injunction barring the Oregon city of Grants Pass from criminalizing sitting, lying or sleeping in public. Briefly protected under the Eighth Amendment, it was considered cruel and unusual punishment, and unconstitutional, to penalize someone without a home needing to sleep outside. This new precedent effectively criminalizes homelessness in the U.S. and could influence policy on poverty in Canada, which is also grappling with homelessness from coast to coast.

Our society still vehemently promotes a “‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps” model, expecting the unhoused to “get a job” and resolve their situation, without trying to understand the realities of poverty and homelessness. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to sleep outside in a city, and I have tried. Basic needs, like personal security, rest, nutritious food and clean water, are essential for an individual to be able to take first steps to improve their situation. Personally, if I lose just two hours of sleep out of a regular eight, I become a less functional version of myself who makes poor decisions over a few days. I imagine some of you can relate. So, why do we hold our society’s most vulnerable members to unattainable standards?

Unhoused people are actively criminalized in Canada as well, mostly through vagrancy, loitering and anti-camping laws, among others, but the outcome is the same: they are told to go anywhere but here. But where are people expected to go? How can they improve their situation when there is no place to rest and store belongings? Until more low-income, social and supportive housing is built, there will be people experiencing homelessness in our neighbourhoods. 

As we enter the summer months, it will be important to check on our neighbours, especially the unhoused. As someone who had to learn how to administer naloxone and first aid to people on the street, I understand how intimidating it can be to approach a possible medical emergency. So, I have some advice. If you encounter a possible overdose or someone passed out in a worrying way (i.e., direct sun), first try to rouse them by tapping your foot to theirs. Say your name and let them know you are just checking on them. If that doesn’t work, try pinching their shoulder blade or the nail on their middle finger. Both can be painful if pinched hard enough and will likely rouse them. If they awaken, just let them know you are checking on them. Ask for their name or introduce yourself. If they are in the sun, suggest moving to a more shaded spot. If they do not rouse, call 911. Plus, a water bottle or juice box can help someone on the street at the moment. 

Let’s treat the unhoused in our communities like neighbours.