I recently had an enlightening lunch with Fr. Matthew, a dedicated Street Outreach Priest in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) for nearly two decades.  Fr. Matthew shared invaluable insights and experiences about street ministry with me. One aspect that particularly struck me was the fact that individuals as young as 45 are considered seniors in DTES, due to the complex social issues and prevalent health challenges in the area.

In a report by Brendan Strain from CTV News on May 27, 2024, a national charity gave B.C. a D+ grade for poverty for the second consecutive year. The report revealed that nearly half of the surveyed individuals feel “worse off” than they did the previous year. Emily Palimaka, the director of food security at Mustard Seed, highlighted that the organization’s client base has grown by approximately 30 percent year-over-year, despite many clients having homes and a fairly reliable source of income. The increasing cost of living has become almost unbearable for many in the community.

The report also disclosed that BC’s food insecurity rate is nearly 22 percent, resulting in the province receiving a failing grade. Additionally, the province’s poverty rate is 11.6 percent, higher than the national average of 9.9 percent.

Recognizing the multidimensional nature of these challenges, collaborative efforts from all levels of government and the community are essential. As fellow members of the human family, we must ensure that those facing poverty receive the attention and support they deserve.