Community Challenges
Amidst this community, so rich in diversity and history, are many marginalized men and women struggling daily with poverty, mental illness, addiction, homelessness, disability, unequal opportunity, violence, stigmatization, trauma backgrounds, and legacies of racism. Currently, the dual epidemics of opioid overdose deaths and street homelessness are particularly grave.
Recently a state of generalized social disorder, antisocial behaviour, and increasing random violence, creates unprecedented tension and stress for residents already facing vast challenges, and for those working with them. Over the eighteen (18) years in which we have served here, the human conditions and life situations of our residents are worse by far than ever before.
![© 2012 The Blackbird](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615788311cb6be7ee741b01d/1663358146360-3EK47UVYRDO9W4TFZBRK/syringes.jpg)
© 2012 The Blackbird
![© 2020 GoToVan](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615788311cb6be7ee741b01d/2d0d4b5c-a73e-469e-958b-1c63700f1dc9/Downtown_Eastside%2C_Vancouver_during_coronavirus_pandemic_%2849791571462%29.jpg)
© 2020 GoToVan
![© 2019 Ted McGrath](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/615788311cb6be7ee741b01d/889763cc-72bb-4f60-b36e-6ae8a89e3623/DTES+--+Gore+St+--+Ted+McGrath+--+2019.jpg)
© 2019 Ted McGrath