The SRO
2008.07.26 - 1:03 PM
Looking at Vancouver's Single Room Occupancy Hotels, the primary housing option for many people living in poverty in our city. There is much debate over the SRO, some want them saved as they are often the only available housing option for some people, others want them removed and replaced with more appropriate housing. Many SRO's are known to be unsafe and in poor repair, where bed bugs, roaches and rats roam. While these rooms lower cost then apartments, they certainly are not cheap. check out one of our better hotels.
Some SRO's are part of the underground economy on the street. shady landlords will rent the same room to multiple people.
One person will live there, the others have their welfare cheques go to the landlord, the landlord will then give those people some of their shelter portion back but they are still without housing. it is like a really expensive cheque cashing place.
it should be mentioned that not all SRO's are shady, some are relatively good, with nice staff and attentive landlords who keep the buildings in good repair.
great edit,great sound..Squee you flowed very well with info about SRO's and what people can expect...thanks for sharing this and bringing us into your Living room.highfiv3's....JH
Great vid!
was just in shawinigan...visiting a friend with a very nice
1-bedroom apartment...rent = $230. i know the cost of living is higher out west but this is insane. squee - it is inspiring that you keep rising to the challenges of your life and telling it like it is.
great document, keep em coming. i am heading to the vancouver area this fall.
make sure you check out one of our workshop when you are here or send me an e-mail if you want to do some filming. thanks for the comment.