CAMPBELL MUST END HIS LEGACY OF HOMELESSNESS NOW, SAYS NDP

VANCOUVER - Premier Campbell must act now to reverse his legacy of homelessness, New Democrat Leader Carole James said today as she released a report on homelessness in B.C. containing 12 recommendations for government.

"Right now Gordon Campbell's biggest legacy is the explosion of homelessness in B.C. - and it's still growing," said James. "British Columbians find it shameful, and the Premier must change direction to end the crisis.

"Gordon Campbell promised action and a reduction in homelessness two years ago. The evidence is in and he has failed," said James. "So we've done the job for him, developing 12 proposals that he can enact right away."

The proposals are contained in Finding Our Way Home, a report based on a province-wide consultation launched by James and NDP homelessness critic David Chudnovsky in November, 2007.

Chudnovsky visited more than 130 organizations in 22 communities, and spoke with people who are homeless, community advocates, service providers, mayors and other civic leaders.

"Out of these consultations, we have developed a clear set of recommendations for government to immediately tackle the homelessness crisis," said Chudnovsky. "It will take time, but with an energized social housing program the advocates, housing experts and municipal officials I spoke with believe we can end the crisis within five years."

Chudnovsky said the key recommendation is a significant expansion of social housing.

"We believe that the need is great and the government should use the $250 million B.C. Housing Endowment Fund to start the expansion now. Without that kind of kickstart, homelessness can't be reduced in B.C."

The 12 proposals are to:

1. Re-establish the stand-alone Ministry of Housing;
2. Set program targets to eliminate the homelessness crisis in five years;
3. Re-invest in a social housing program;
4. Provide local governments and community organizations with tools and resources to combat homelessness;
5. Recognize that the crisis is province wide and ensure solutions are as well;
6. Expand social housing on existing sites;
7. Include the principles of Housing First, homelessness prevention, adequate infrastructure and accountability into social housing and support programs;
8. Maintain and expand the public land bank;
9. Protect manufactured home tenants;
10. Strengthen security of tenure and rights for tenants;
11. Increase income assistance rates and the minimum wage; and
12. Increase mental health and addiction services.

For the full report, please visit www.bcndpcaucus.ca