Dear fellow Richmond residents,
As business, faith, and community leaders, we have seen a troubling rise in angry, fear-based rhetoric, misinformation and short-term thinking regarding how we care for the vulnerable, the economically, socially, mentally and emotionally distressed.
We call for our elected leaders and neighbours to approach these issues with nuance, empathy and respect. These solutions also require pragmatic, informed and economically responsible approaches to caring for our diverse community.
These ideals are not contradictory.
Housing the poor or afflicted will save us money and resources in the long run and contribute to building a more vibrant, healthy, caring community. We can be fiscally responsible and kind at the same time.
This is a hopeful vision of the future everyone can work towards. It’s one our kids would be proud of.
Treating all with decency and respect is the morally right thing to do and the pragmatic, economically wise thing to do.
Providing supportive housing reduces our shelter costs, our policing costs and our hospital costs by staggering amounts, all while increasing our mental health and social objectives.*
It is compassionate, medically and fiscally sound.
While nuanced, compassionate views don’t always fit on a poster board or petition, many in Richmond hold these and believe in an inclusive, caring community. Values of compassion, inclusivity, and care unite us and make us a stronger, more connected community.
We encourage all residents, leaders and politicians to join us in fostering a Richmond we can all be proud of.
A Richmond that:
- Cares for the most vulnerable with non-political, compassionate responses based on best practices over politics.
- Supports dialogue over fear-based rhetoric with a solutions-oriented, respectful, kind tone.
- Provides housing and support for those in need based on professional recommendations, not ideological whims.
- Balances community safety with compassion.
Together, let's build a Richmond that works for all.
Akiko Holz, Flourish ministry lead
Amy Yoshimaru, educator
Bill Mok 莫雨晴牧師, priest/pastor, 360 Community
Chris Dinnell, Dinnell Real Estate Group
Darren Lof, Steveston Hub & Church at the Hub
David Richardson, Advocacy for Aging BC
Debbie Tablotney, school trustee
Jeff Golby, CEO of Acts for Water & WellFunded
Jen Haverstock Hunter
Jason Davidson
Juliana Fruhling, MA-MFT, RCC, executive director Anchor Counselling & Wellness
Karen McDouall Yamada, Karens K9’s
Karen Schaffer, pastor of Tapestry Richmond
Karina Reid
Ken Pierce, pastor, ECC
Kim Moldowan
Les Mennie, owner of Natural Impressions Outdoor Play
Lisa Munro Craker
Lizzie Balak, Blooming Gaia Landscapes
Matthew Hislop
Maggie Watts-Hammond, community member
Nicky Byres, ECE consultant
Rico, Smokehouse Sandwich Co.
Rupee Kaur
Ruth Kelly, Weft X Warp
Susan Stratton, Turning Point Recovery
Vicky Ryan, executive director, InGIRLS CLUB Association
Valerie Gail King, community volunteer
John Hall, Novo Canada
Richmond
*Housing first reduces emergency department visits by 41 per cent, policing costs by 15 per cent and increases the chances of recovery by up to 3.4X compared to a treatment-first approach. For many more statistics, consult the National Library of Medicine, the Mental Health Commission of Canada or The Journal of Public Health.
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