My Journal

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

CANADA | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [983] | View Larger Image

There is always a story behind every face in the DTES. Usually this story is one marked by a solitary existence, a history of societal marginalization and neglect, and a present rife with hazards typical only to those living in the slums of the world.

The Downtown East-side (DTES) neighborhood is the dark and seedy side of beautiful, flashy Vancouver, Canada. Centered around the above pictured East Hastings street, it is commonly reported to be the poorest area in the entire country. Demographics show that it is plagued with the highest incidences of poverty, addiction, violence, crime, sex trade, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness and HIV and Hep C infection rates.

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The DTES has traditionally been home to the disenfranchised and poor residents of Vancouver. At almost 70%, the proportion of low-income individuals and families in the DTES is almost triple that of the regular Vancouver populace. By engaging in practices such as “Bining” and “Dumpster Diving”, residents find ways to subsist their limited income. Shopping carts filled with dumpster treasures, such as the one pictured above, are a trademark of the DTES.

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My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

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