Covenant House Vancouver

I've got mixed feelings about the Olympics coming to town. I want Canadian's to win gold on Canadian soil, but I wonder at what cost? I like the idea of job creation and showcasing our Vancouver to the world. However I'm also fearful for what this means for homeless youth? What will happen, and how much money is the Olympics going to cost us?

Too often Street Youth's needs come last in our society. I've seen many a shelter close from lack of funding and now there is talk about bringing people to shelters against their will. Where I ask are all these shelters with empty beds? In my experience I've seen young people try and try again to find a safe place for the night.

Sadly I've often seen them turned out into the cold alone once again. So I am confused and scared by the idea of forcing someone into a shelter. What happens when all the beds are full what will the police do then? Does homelessness become a crime?

Also not all shelters are created equal. Some can be really scary places. I can understand wanting to stay with what comforts and protections you have. Many a homeless person lives with a companion animal for safety. What happens when you're dropped off at a shelter that doesn't allow animals?

I guess this word mandatory scares me. There are often not enough shelter beds for the homeless who want them. Now we take this stretched resource and drop off at their doorstep the conflicts that arise when someone is brought in against their will.

The Vancouver Olympics does not leave me "with glowing hearts" which is their motto but with more questions then answers.

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