On February 4, the GCP has an article by Ding Guo who is apparently puzzled by the homeless problem. For readers who emigrated from the former colony of Hong Kong, we grew up in a colonial system where political participation or hope was absent. The only hope given was the freedom to make money for the colony. Under such colonial system, there was no social welfare or safety net to speak of and everyone was forced from birth to swim or sink, to save every cent or risk becoming poor. Helping oneself is the top priority while helping others became a very secondary thought. For most, this was the beginning of a self-centred, individualistic existence. From kindergartens onwards, there are keen competitions in one’s study and the goal of education is not enlightenment but a key to move up the social ladder. In the society, there are hardly any public forums about social injustice as inherent equal right for human beings is too abstract and remote a concept amidst the race to make money. Consequently respect is only given to the rich and elites while those poor and homeless are referred to, as in Mr. Ding’s case, “the symbol of failure” and “the burden of the society”.

For those who emigrated from China, their perspective on the homeless should be a bit better. However in its shift to capitalism, China inherits all its viruses. The prime one being the assumption that an individual in pursuing his own self-interest will promote the good of his community as a whole through a principle called “the invisible hand”. In Adam Smith’s words, a free market will work, as if guided by “an invisible hand”, for the public interest and common good. However as seen through history, monetary considerations have become the overriding and corrupting criteria in every issue: from environment, food safety, gambling expansion to international peace. In the recent global financial meltdown, that invisible hand was caught helping itself through establishments it entrenches e.g. Enron, investment banks, subprime mortgage, Bernard Madoff, etc.. Sadly many including Mr. Ding are mesmerized by the same capitalism dream.

Contrary to what Mr. Ding suggests, the homelessness in BC is by and large the results of social injustice and not some personal lifestyle choice. According to 2008 Metro Vancouver homeless count, the aboriginals comprises 32% of the homeless population. Their migration to the cities is well documented and is largely due to their plight within reserves, a result of being governed as wards of the state under the archaic and colonial Indian Act 1876. While Canada has not signed treaties with First Nations for 2/3 of this Province, it is allowing the rampant granting of development, mining, forestry and other licences on native land. At the same time the natives are not allowed to do the same on their own. While a semi-apology was offered for its role in forcing natives to go through the destructive residential school system, Canada is still doing similar acts by removing huge number of aboriginal children into fostered homes (60% of all fostered children in BC have aboriginal roots). Canada is also one of the only four countries refusing to support UN’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People. With on-reserve natives excluded from the protection of Canada Human Rights Act, Canada’s treatment of the natives is the worse human right abuse in Canada.

According to the homeless count, between 2005 and 2008, the proportion of the homeless population aged 45 years and over rose from 31% of the total homeless population to 38%. For this aging group, it would be cruel to say that staying outdoor in the cold is a lifestyle choice. Many older people due to loss of family, job, health or a combination will end up on the street. Note when one does not have an address and phone number, it is unlikely they will find jobs that will be sustainable. Note minimum wage has not been kept up with inflation and our Provincial government undermined it further by the introduction of a $6 training wage. As many people in need can’t get on welfare because they often have to wait 3 weeks, prove they have worked for 2 years, adhere to employment plans, do computer orientations, make more than one appointment to get a cheque, etc., the homeless number has been on the increase.

Obviously, there is a large percentage of the homeless who are mentally sick. That is a result of the Province closing down of Riverview Hospital and allowing the former patients to roam the streets without proper supports. Other homeless individuals may develop mental sickness under the combined influence of drugs, alcohol and depressions. A year ago, the Vancouver Police reported more than 30% of their service calls are related to this group. While some with drug addictions are the results of a wrong choice they made long ago, many addicts were offered drugs by pimps or drug pushers who just want to lure others into prostitution or drug trades. Even for those who want to clean up, the current system does not offer them adequate beds for detox and they often wandered off without being treated.

According to Ding, the homeless “do not deserve to be the focus of the community”. We need to be reminded any human settlement is a social contract between the rich and the poor. There is no society or country which are for the rich only. There is also a famous western saying “history will judge us by how we treat our poor”. For those newer Chinese immigrants who are trying their best to settle in BC, they should not be inflamed to feel jealous of the homeless because help is given. We should be thankful that we have a roof over our head and that if we ever need it, this country unlike our former homelands is gracious enough to provide us with the same help. Finally God is always with the marginalized. In Christ teaching of the judgment day in Matthew 25, mankind will be judged by how we treat the naked, the hungry, the thirsty, the sick , the stranger and the imprisoned. Only those mesmerized by capitalism will worry “future expenses on the homeless will be greater” rather than our alienation and demonization of our less fortunate neighbors.

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