My Journal

CANADA | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [737] | View Smaller Image

There is a well known and strong synergistic relationship between poverty and substance misuse. The DTES has always been a hotbed of addiction with the substance of choice varying to include tobacco, alcohol, heroin, and stimulants such as crack cocaine and crystal meth. Almost 80% of residents self-identify as smokers and over 50% of residents admit to illegal drug use.

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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Despite the obvious challenges rife throughout this community, the truth is, if you look beyond them all, the DTES is a community rooted in a magical combination of resilience, community advocacy and character. Non-traditional supports abound, while connection and community thrives in this the least likely of places. As Johnny, Bruce, Linda and Donald (pictured above) can attest to, kinship, humanity and joy are the measure of prosperity in the slum of Canada.

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