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Feb 14 - the 19th Missing Women's Memorial March in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside - it was a day of much emotion, support and community spirit. Imagine that after the rain the sun came out, a warm wind blew through Main and Hastings, and high, high above us, eagles circled - looking down on the memories of the missing women, and the thousands who have come out in support. The families, many Aboriginal, drums beating, posters of women missing, and elders and kids, were all assembled as the solemn procession headed down Main Street, finally winding its way back along E. Hastings, with stops along the way, to smudge the memories of women in particular places of significance.

Almost finished week 55 of the Hunger Relay Strike to End Homelessness! Tomorrow I hand over that imposing wooden spoon at noon.....

The week has actually gone quickly and the support quite wonderful, so thanks to all the good folks who dropped by the Carnegie to say hello and show their support for the need for housing. To my friend Sharon - was good to see you on your day off no less, and see how you encouraged people to write messages to Harper and Parliament.

(cross-posted on rabble.ca)

Day 6 was a very busy day! I left the house early and headed downtown to the courthouse to hear the decision of the BC Court of Appeal on InSite and the appeal by the Conservative Government to shut it down. The courtroom was packed – and the decision we all hoped for came in! (http://tinyurl.com/yd6sr47)

(cross-posted on rabble.ca)

I think I'm losing track of the days - it seems like its still day 4. All I know is its colder and wetter today and many people at Main and Hastings were edgier. Turns out that cheque day is next week - so many folks are at that point of no return - money gone. People look hungry and intense. I got the first negative comment - racist so I won't repeat it. We ended up sharing the tent cover with multiple dealers, (they've kept a small distance ‘til now on the shared sidewalk). It’s interesting watching the small deals go down - fast and efficient. Heard many hard stories - like Peter from the Dene nation - he described to us how Fort McMurray and his people are ruined. He signed his message as Dene Warrior.

Day 4 - going well - and I am delighted to see the commentary/support/tweets/facebook/discussion back and forth in support of the 2010 Hunger Strike Relay to end homelessness. Keep it all coming!!

I've had many comments about the "wooden spoon" (our relay version of the Olympic torch) and the picture of me holding it and making a comment that I'm tempted to use it to get Harper and Gordon Campbell's attention! I've been carrying the big wooden spoon every day and its weirdly empowering - Councillor Ellen Woodsworth who dropped by to say hello at Carnegie - gave me a friendly warning about it!!

(cross-posted on rabble.ca)

Yeah the rain held off! I can't believe how much I'm paying attention to the state of the weather. If it doesn't rain I feel so much better. Usually I don't worry about weather - but being outside for hours at a time makes a difference. It makes me appreciate that I get to go home every night and put my feet up and be warm. No so for many I talked with today at Main and Hastings.

A Rainy Day 2

(cross posted on rabble.ca)

Weather is such a critical factor in everything we humans do. When it’s cold and wet and you're homeless, it makes daily survival even harder. Add storms/snow and more, and its deadly. Today - day 2 of my hunger strike relay - we spent the first half hour outside the Carnegie Center, trying to avoid the cold and rain, wrestling to put up a small tent cover, and keep the flip-chart from blowing away and written comments from leaking down the increasingly wet pages. (Thanks Megan from my office - I know you got sopping wet). Love that Vancouver weather! But it’s not snowing or freezing so we are fortunate. Still, lots of wet feet, not good shoe wear, people underdressed around us - huddled and rushing to get into warm spaces.