Tag Archives: Thrift store

Green Goals, Hidden Harms

By Amy Romer, Megaphone Magazine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Vancouver has built its reputation on ambitious environmental goals, aiming to become one of the greenest cities in the world. Yet, the rise of the green economy has brought unforeseen challenges for street vendors who rely on the trade of second-hand goods. 

The Binners Project is a Vancouver-based social and circular-economic initiative that supports marginalized people who collect and return recyclable materials, otherwise known as “binners.” For the past two years, the project has operated a low-barrier street market, currently at 305 Main St. in the heart of the Downtown Eastside. 

Binners Project Director Sean Miles says he’s witnessed the harm of policies such as the city’s twice-daily street sweeps that blaze through East Hastings seven days a week.

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Campbell River thrift store opens doors to homeless

Campbell River Mirror, Local Journalism Reporter

Tired of break-ins, a Campbell River thrift store is opening its door to people experiencing homelessness to shop for free two days a month. 

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Affordable Housing: Vancouver Church preparing to redevelop

By Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A church that has provided services to homeless and precariously housed people in the Downtown Eastside for over a century is preparing  to redevelop the property it owns at 320 E. Hastings Street. First United Community  Ministry plans to partner with Lu’ma Native Housing Society to build an  11-storey building with seven floors of housing and four floors for  First United’s social programs.

Continue reading Affordable Housing: Vancouver Church preparing to redevelop