By Mike Archer. Prompted by a Facebook post by Pastor Ward Draper which was re-published on Abbotsford Today, a group of Abbotsford citizens lead by Elsie Neufeld is organizing in order to protest the eviction of the homeless men and women at the camps along Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford.
Elsie Neufeld
Reports from head of the Drug War Survivors Barry Shantz about taunting by the APD and a sense of excitement and anticipation among police which has been reported by homeless people were downplayed by Const. Ian MacDonald of the APD Monday.
Pastor Ward Draper
“The time is now, today, to put aside empty self-gratifying activities and seek justice. Lend your voice, your hands, your heart, your possessions to reach out to the lost in our community and on our streets. July 31st is such an opportunity to serve our Lord. Pray, listen, and seek practical ways you and the Church can rise up and face these challenges that burn within our city. Together we can let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream.”
No one is clear why BC Hydro has decided to claim the 15 ft strip of grass and bushes or what it intends to do with the property but Mayor Banman and the City of Abbotsford have been silent in the face of the threat against its most marginalized citizens.
To find out more or join the group click here.
The solution is for the City of Abbotsford to designate a temporary
land site, where the homeless can camp safely and legally. until the court ruling on the homeless in Abbotsford.
Clearly, the homeless still at the encampment do not want or cannot
live in market housing and thus have refused assistance from the
Salvation Army and BC Govt willing to subsidize their rent.
Abbotsford needs Housing First, a Dignitarian style village, low
barrier housing, detox facility and more recovery houses..a multi-faceted approach to housing multi-challenging problems, facing the many
who are homeless.
BC Hydro legally is responsible for any risks associated with
being on Hydro property and thus they are obligated to take action
to ensure public safety on the land along Gladys Ave.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t until the encampment grew in size that
Hydro stepped forward to address these concerns.
Safety is a concern, yet, why did Hydro wait until about one month ago
to address problem, when homeless encampment was set up in January, 2014?
The City of Abbotsford did nothing to help homeless campers
who were displaced along Gladys, then, ventured into Jubilee Park to
protest the need for a place to set up an approved encampment and
then, on request of City of Abbotsford were moved by court order out
of Jubilee Park in a snow storm, locating haphazardly on a piece of land, once again near the Salvation Army and now being forced to
move, once again to a location, which will require them to move again,
due to trespassing and possible safety legalities.
Jay Mitchell Says:
I bet dollars to donuts that an Abbotsford city staffer contacted BC Hydro to initiate this eviction process. BCH has no reason to do so otherwise.
From Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/447088788677534/photos/a.447096625343417.115475.447088788677534/678467575539653/?type=1&comment_id=678503392202738&offset=0&total_comments=3
Elsie K. Neufeld Says:
i have to set the record straight. I am planning to be on-site when the eviction notice takes effect, and I invite others to join me, but I am not formally organizing a gathering. Ward Draper put a call out for the community to show support for the homeless, and to assist in ways the homeless persons request assistance, and I am responding to that. Hopefully many others will show up too.
From Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/447088788677534/photos/a.447096625343417.115475.447088788677534/678467575539653/?type=1&comment_id=678503392202738&offset=0&total_comments=3
Marlisa Power Says:
I spoke to a John Howard Volunteer they are helping the homeless be evicted on Wednesday not Thursday – anyone know for sure which date it is? Once again not for profits etc. have to step in and do the right thing for the City of Abbotsford. I am very sad.
From Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/411347525651257/
Sylvia Casey Says:
I read on Abbotsford Today that the eviction notice said they had until 9am on the 31st to leave the property. So it looks like the JHS (and likely others) will be helping those who are willing and able to leave to do so in a timely manner. And the support group is gathering at 9am on the 31st to support those who remain and to make a stand against the continual injustice they face.
From Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/411347525651257/