Life & Death in the DTES

          DTES is the site of the most IV drug users in North America. The other day at the church I noticed this poster. Note the reference to Insite, one of the most controversial programs in North America.
          Then I noticed another poster with a facial picture of a native woman in her late 30’s. It identified her by name and noted she was a “mother, wife, daughter, and sister to many” followed by “May She Rest in Peace.” Just then another woman about the same age noticed it too, and called her friend to “Come and See.” The friend noted flatly, “I saw her last week and she was hardly using any more!” One of the symptoms of advanced addiction is oblivion with little concern whether one lives or dies.
          There are relevant articles about Insite on this blog as you scroll down near the bottom of the educational link at http://rossbanister.blogspot.com/p/resources.html Note particularly the statistics on interventions. Please post any comments you might have.
Ross

Housing Dilemma in Downtown Eastside (DTES)

Pictured is one of the resident hotels in DTES. The rooms are 12’ x 12’, share a common bathroom on each floor and are deemed SRO (Single Room Occupancy). Residents at the First United Church say they are reminiscent of the dimensions of Jail Cells in Canada. Although there are video cameras in the halls, residents use and sell drugs rampantly and prostitution occurs regularly in the rooms. First United is facing a dilemma with funding cuts from the city and 214 residents will be relocated to SRO. This removes them from a social / cultural / spiritual community that is essential for recovery from addiction. It also forces a reduction in staff. First United functions as a refuge, not a shelter which means all are welcome but requires extra staffing to deal with disruptions and safety issues.
This last week I have enjoyed being introduced as a Chaplain or Minister which allows me to share more spiritual principles than my former identity as a counselor. I have been quite amazed at the number of residents here that identify themselves as Christians. This again challenges my thinking about alternatives possible for them to be part of a church where they could feel like they belong. 

Appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

Ross

My First Two Days in Downtown Eastside

                   

          Thursday I met with Bob Burrows, a former minister at United who is still active as a volunteer. He has recently written a history of First United and its 125 years of ministry in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on Hastings Street titled Hope Lives Here. 

         Bob was the founder of the Dugout Drop in Center in 1987 which has been open every day since. Alcoholics Anonymous started noon meetings there in 1968. The Dugout provides a morning soup line and passes out day old rolls and other donated items. Today they shared fresh raspberries. Bob is there at 6:00 AM to put the soup on and make the coffee before the doors are opened at 7:15. The soup is made daily from scratch with fresh chopped vegetables and lots of meat. People from the street stop in regularly during the day for a cup of coffee. 

          I have been encouraged to be a presence at the church, to participate in meetings and groups to get to know staff and find “my niche.” I will be spending some time as I did Friday at the Dugout. My task is to befriend and serve the visitors spiritually and emotionally. 

          Harsh realities of Downtown Eastside were very evident my first day. I saw three young prostitutes on Hastings Street in the middle of the afternoon. Hardly in their twenties, two were nodding off probably from heroin, and the other, given her complexion and mannerisms, was tweaking with crack or meth. Later I observed an ambulance coming to treat a middle aged Native woman unconscious on the sidewalk. They gave her an injection of Narcon to prevent her dying from a heroin overdose and rushed her to the hospital.

I value your thoughts and prayers!
Ross

Some pictures of this journey...

My traveling home arriving July 7, 2011. Its been a year since I first visited the Downtown  Eastside and First United  Church.

This is a view of Birch Bay across the street from where I live. Steve  Loosley  thinks I am really on the  Sea of Galilee

My new hang out and access to WIFI until I can work out some difficulties.  A lot of Canuck  tourists here, relaxing for the  day and filling up with much cheaper fuel. Learning lots from them, the NEXUS pass does allow ease in crossing the border.  

First United Church in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.  Probably  won't get there until Wednesday as  I sort out my living situation here some more. 

ARRIVED !!!

After a series of calamities including the transmission going out on the car and the truck not starting the next day, I arrived and got set up in Blaine Washington (actually Birch Bay, a bit south). Have not been able to get on the internet and WIFI I understood was part of the package, but may have a solution this Sunday. I'm writing this from a cafe next to where I live and was able to find a young "techie" who will also make sure some other lesser problems are taken care of. Realizing how dependent I am upon the Internet with it rapidity of communication and access of updated information. Hoping to start getting involved with First United Church on Monday. With all the changes in travel dates I can't get the border pass that saves most of the grueling wait until next Friday.

Reminded how comfortable I am living in my 5th wheel trailer. There are 600 square feet with the slide outs and enough features that more than satisfy all my living needs. I am so grateful for your thoughts and prayers for this challenging mission. Once I get access to Internet, I will have lots of pictures to share. My goal is to keep you informed weekly.