Tradeworks is continuing its efforts to secure long term funding for the basic services to the DTES community offered through Pathways Information Centre. The issue is now public, as we have been on CBC radio, Radio-Canada, Fairchild TV, and CKNW. Local residents are active writing letters to the Minister of Social Development and signing a petition (recently tabled in the BC legislature by MLA Jenny Kwan).
Pathways was created 9 years ago when a multi-party review identified the need for a conveniently located, low-barrier information centre that could ensure those in need could find the community services they need. Pathways has played that role, seeing 250 people a day and almost 3000 new people each year. This inner-city community has an exceptional number of residents in stress and struggling to cope – 10,000 of the 15,000 people living in this neighbourhood live in poverty. And many are living with physical and mental disabilities. Many have lost contact with family and do not have the social and material supports others may take for granted. Pathways is a catalyst for change:
- Pathways members get access to basic information resources; phones, PC’s, the Internet, faxes and copiers.
- Pathways members get voice-mail services.
- Pathways members get up-to-date information on local services, clinics, employment programs and community resources.
- Pathways members get counseling advice and preliminary assessments, someone to talk to and build a relationship with.
- Pathways members get job search advice and assistance with online searches, applications and resumes preparation.
- Pathways members get access to supplementary services from others on our premises – related to tenancy problems, pardons, diabetes, mental heath services, and more.
- Pathways members are given opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the centre and to the dtes.ca website that it maintains.
The DTES is a neighbourhood where many retreat, out of economic necessity. Often the circumstances are beyond their control; learning disabilities, workplace injuries, mental health calamities, family breakdowns, etc.. However, most do want to work and live normal lives. They need access to basic services and social supports.
The new ‘employment services’ delivery model of the Ministry of Social Development will serve only 5-10% of the low income and unemployed population in the inner-city. Pathways and other neighbourhood community services are to be closed in March-April 2012, unless the Ministry recognizes the special needs in the DTES. Fact Sheet
