Olympics in Vancouver

The Olympics and the Homeless
What an awesome time everyone in Vancouver had during the Olympics! There was singing in the streets. Hugs. Things to do for free. Things to do that were not free! Our lives were on-hold during hockey. We all watched curling. We shared our home with the World gladly. We were so jazzed about the Olympics that any naysayers gave up and went home in the face of mass enthusiasm.

Everyone had an opportunity to share in this rich community event, as VANOC gave a gift of community participation: large screen TVs were installed for everyone to view Olympic events – permanent gifts to be enjoyed long afterwards. And in a classy move, VANOC offered a block events tickets to those living in Shelters and in managed affordable housing.

Attending an event meant so much to our tenants and guests – one man phoned his Dad and his brother just to tell them about the experience. It was a chance not only to be a part of an important community event, but a wonderful opportunity to build on family relationships, a communication bridge.

Before the Olympics, comments about Vancouver and the Olympics always referred to the people who live in poverty, the homeless. And underlying each comment was an unstated certainty that the poor would end up with less.

The Olympics preparation reality – that aged hotels were upgraded to make them liveable, saving important affordable housing stock. That additional programs were put in place to help those in poverty achieve a more stable life. That new homes are being created that are affordable, and include caring staff.

But the big payoff from the Olympics has been increased self esteem, participation in a community building experience, and lives changed for the better. In all walks of life.