Struggling to survive on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

It's been more than a month since Vancouver cleared a long-running tent encampment. A decision that triggered fierce debate about Canada's homelessness crisis. Questions around the rights of those living on the margins while more and more people fall through the cracks. For people living on the edge in Downtown Vancouver, survival itself is a full-time job. Susana da Silva shares one man's story.
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[@Rickie-37]

Thanks for helping his story be heard. I'm sure he brought a brought a lot of love and laughter to everyone around him over the years. I hope he has finally been set free of his struggles and pain

[@stephenbrock644]

[@laarawilliamsen]

Please keep filming. People need to see the truth. I am sad for Boomer. He was a light in the darkness. People need to know that each person living downtown deserves so much more. Please do not discriminate against people on the street. I believe that these films are offering those of us who are more well off, like we have a roof over our heads, a viewpoint that hopefully, will spark compassion and awaken the B.C. government to offer better benefits such as detox, counselling, transition housing, and low cost housing for our street population.

[@stephenbrock644]

[@tungstenanderson5991]

You're so compassionate. People do need more. You're well off as you stated. Why haven't you invited Boomer into your home? I know by your own words, you're not a fan of discrimination of people on the street, so I'm looking forward to how you have taken men, like Boomer into your home.

[@kurtisgibbs6698]

@@tungstenanderson5991I want to save the whales. That doesn’t mean I’m adequately equipped or trained to house any. Nor does it mean that’s what is best for them.

[@jgomez9505]

I live in Eastside Downtown Vancouver, and the situation is so sad 😢 I pray for these people every day 🙏 RIP

[@tungstenanderson5991]

Gastown? I'm sure your prayers have really helped.

[@michaelbrooks7814]

That last part shocked me. This needs a million plus views. I don’t live too far from there. We have to step in as a community and the governments have to step in to take action.

[@tungstenanderson5991]

You're a "we". What have you done in the last 7 months?

[@BTCCanada]

Each minute of this report raises many questions and why’s. 1. Why he would show his room if he is worried loosing it? 2. Why they didn’t report him living in private electric room and changing the lock! 3. What if fire caused by him and other innocent people could die? It’s interesting how B.C. by legalizing things wants to show people have a freedom of choice because it’s cheaper than treatment of these people it’s easier to give them drugs so weak people die quick. Sad part is that most of people just see the fact that he died cuz the news leads to just show the drama side of story but not answering questions asked above .

[@Shaun.is.typing]

“Pain doesn’t always have to hurt. You can make it into something good.” 🙏

[@jeremyj5932]

There was an economic boom where foreign buyers were willing to pay way above market on property in BC. I really wish the government taxed foreign buyers more and created a money pool for Canadians. Because the extra money the foreign buyers dumped into the market drove prices up for average Canadians, to the points where it’s barely loveable for way too many. Then at least that money pool could be used to counter act the inflation.

[@sammyhooligan803]

Not saying that this isnt sad, but that looks dangerous to live in that electrical room. But not sure if that's illegal or trespassing?

[@cherylsibson2529]

Please keep sharing these stories, it's important.

[@tungstenanderson5991]

Why? Has it changed your lot in life or theirs?

[@jessicasavage2044]

My daughter is on the east side too...she was lucky and got a room with assistance. Many aren't so lucky she was homeless for a long time though

[@thejoblesscoder]

This story broke my heart. I rarely cry during news as most is tragic anyways. But this hit close to home. That could have easily been me after I was evicted from my home in Vancouver in 2019. Had it not been for the good graces of my parents doing everything in their power to get me back to Alberta

[@rayc3103]

Give me a Fvcking break

[@pbufh]

Please stay in alberta.

[@thejoblesscoder]

@@pbufh goal is to get to Texas and out of the country

[@sweetheartivyivyherbert307]

Yes i rarely cry too, but this was heart wrenching and brought tears to my eyes. Especially with him being of indigenous and african descendant and all the struggles that his forefathers had to endure to live in this awful capital corporate life we have to live in today which is against their grain

[@stephenbrock644]

[@benjamin6492]

rip sir and to my brother who we lost Andy Shelton,miss you everyday and yes i hope thy are in a place where they are so loved,even hto there were us who loved you when you were here too ,rip

[@lulabloom4636]

heart is broken...rest in peace good man

[@bradreimer2649]

62 years old on disability, in a small room in the basement of a house, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with 4 others. Nothing else left to rent in the city. Maybe I'm next.

[@stephanblack4558]

They never take ownership, it's always someone else's fault. Take ownership and get help.

[@spencermulvaney]

@@stephanblack4558 Very constructive comment Stephan. Sounds like you're also someone who was on disability considering you had the urge to say something. Any actual tips you want to give other than the insultingly vague "take ownership and get help" comment?

[@slsilver481]

I hope you are okay. Vancouver rents are so insane

[@adaptercrash]

Its actually easier than getting a degree

[@bs6499]

Damn, Move out of vancouver to where its cheaper would be a start!

[@VeryMerryLou]

MyLord!!! This is heartbreaking!!! Please bless his soul, Oh Lord and may Boomer rest in eternal peace. Amen.

[@rayc3103]

Any landlord who harasses a tenant means that they were not paying rent.

[@marneeklintworth9300]

Or in a space that is not geared as a 'living space's. I get the gist of the story but by same token this room is charged with live electricity 24/7. As Building Managers for a 100 suite strata complex for ten years we were only allowed minimal access to this room. Hydro meter reader needs access, fire protection test equipment is here, ALL the power sources to this one room, Property Manager & owners of building and changing the lock - I get it but Jesus, you left yourself so vulnerable to do many other dangers and no way for anyone to rescue you from this tomb when it's a metal 'fire rated' door with two hour 'burn time' - there would have been no way to rescue him & by time help arrived he would have been overcome with smoke and heat in a 8" x 10' room (if even that big) & no ventilation. The 'humming' noise is the power being distributed from transformers, to bsmt & up to other residences. This room is so charged with power is ridiculous - one wrong move with wrong item in your hand, on your feet/waist, etc and you are F'd. No rescue attempts and big muscular men are going to be able to help you - as the story states & warns. Sorry but very dangerous and foolish on his behalf. If he'd shown me that room I would have been backing my butt outta there but pronto before the door closed on its own..... 7:44

[@Aimes604]

@@marneeklintworth9300 I agree but when you’re desperate you’ll do anything.

[@marneeklintworth9300]

@@Aimes604 One wrong move and all you are is your metal belt buckle and the grommets for your shoe laces! Having been a Building Manager of a 100 suite strata for ten years and last 12 in high--rise construction we were never allowed in these rooms - for good reason - and don't tell me this guy didn't question THAT decision..

[@lorainestjames4181]

That space is extremely harmful and he dies there. Prison would be far better then homeless and it would cost much more . Seeing so many people existing on the streets and killing themselves slowly is becoming unbearable to view .So many have given up trying to find affordable housing and live in their cars, vans, and in conditions that no one would want and pay to much for those conditions . This all is so heartbreaking, and discusting that we continue to just let it go on while it keeps getting worse. 😢😢

[@stuartwilliam6010]

I used to live in the DTES, and everyone I knew was from all across Canada, coming here under the assumption that they could get free drugs, housing, and financial support to sell drugs for a living, while they spent their days getting high and making profits. 💯

[@somethingsomething404]

Nobody believes that. You can get a welfare check and a methadone drink anywhere if that’s what you want to do

[@joeisawesome540]

if they get free drugs... then how do they sell drugs? who will buy them if they can also get them for free? this doesn't even make sense.

[@frankmoon9350]

They sell "safe supply" to suburban kids then buy much cheaper street drugs.

[@danger1240]

​@flatisearthwhat he wrote is the truth add in mild winters and it's a homeless junkie heaven. The only reason you disagree is because you have never been there.

[@LloydPineo]

So sad , thank you for sharing

[@al-1852]

Rest in eternal peace brother. You are in a much better place now…

[@Bull3tBikes]

Remember, Dont do drugs kids.

[@petercunnington6808]

This is so sad this guy was trying to get his life together and it was getting better and then he died

[@hamidtakako]

Dear Government of Canada, let us remember that our nation's strength lies in the welfare of every one of its citizens, those living in homes and those struggling on our streets alike. The issue of homelessness in areas such as Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is not merely a reflection of the individuals affected but is symptomatic of wider systemic challenges that we are collectively empowered to address. Every person deserves the dignity of a safe place to call home, the warmth of community, and the opportunity for a better tomorrow. By investing in comprehensive solutions - affordable housing, mental health services, job training programs, and more - we have the chance to alter lives, revitalize communities, and build a more compassionate, inclusive Canada. Our country's future can be brightened by our actions today, demonstrating to the world the depth of Canada's empathy, resilience, and resolve. Together, we can eradicate homelessness, not as an act of charity, but as an affirmation of our shared humanity and commitment to the collective wellbeing of our great nation.

[@jeremyambrosone8640]

😂

[@pectusin]

Besides the emotions, any real suggestions on how to fix the issue? Or better how to help Canadians who are regular working people, not drug addicts, who are struggling to make ends meet?

[@thejoblesscoder]

How about actually enforcing the law against landlords who evicted illegally to raise rent.

[@pectusin]

@@thejoblesscoder of course this landlords fault, I see )))

[@thejoblesscoder]

@Pektusin well the landlord illegally evicted him to raise the rent. So yes very much it's (partially) the landlords fault

[@tungstenanderson5991]

@@thejoblesscoder Drug addicts need not apply. Not a landlords fault.

[@thejoblesscoder]

@@tungstenanderson5991 ahh the classic landlords can do no wrong argument. nice. way to mock the death of a man who was broken by the system

[@lesgrossman4636]

9/10 electricians agree, that’s a horrible idea

[@marneeklintworth9300]

And as a Resident Building Manager of a 100 suite strata complex and years later a Construction Safety Officer, flagger & First Aid attendant living in the electrical room is a horrible idea - the 'humming' he heard was the power running thru every single piece of equipment in that room!

[@lesgrossman4636]

@@marneeklintworth9300 yea’ that’s no good brother lol

[@bnielsss2715]

Sharing boomers story was the most incredible thing you’ve done thus far. Please, keep sharing our people’s stories.

[@emilecossette7570]

I wasnt expecting this story to end the way it did 😢

[@tammydow6112]

I dont think he got his apology...god bless

[@KynaNg123]

So sad - thanks for shedding light on these stories.

[@gregsheridan]

There is generally an underlying situational issue that has gone unsupported and unresolved for too long that brings people to this place in their lives. The support for the families of this nation needs to be overhauled to minimize people getting to this point. Nobody wants to spend money on this yet they spend more money inadvertently. How much is the cost of theft, vandalism, security, policing, ambulance, social assistance, real estate losses and the repair and inconvenience of an electrical hub burning up? The fix will take a generation but the return on investment both financial and social value will make us much further ahead.

[@SofaMuncher]

RIP Boomer. The City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Nation of Canada, are failing us.

[@myleshagar9722]

Alberta is doing something about it, never to be told on CBC.

[@cornstar1253]

Unless some rare circumstance, people are responsible for their own well being. It's a choice.

[@Kiki-dr1rj]

Left in power, nothing is right 😢

[@Z.November]

The people on the downtown east side are human beings who deserve dignity respect and compassion. Why it has not been declared a national emergency is beyond me. My guess is politicians have done the math and by their metrics,no amount of resources can fix this segment of society unfortunately. There is no incentive for them to fix the problem.

[@DavidGS66]

Like Boomer said all his phones & bike were stolen [probably by street lowlifes], so street people can't expect respect if they just do drugs & roam around -- ALL NIGHT -- as predators looking for prey. We need to stop treating the ones who don't take part as criminals, but I'd estimate 80% street people do meth & crime. I have guarded property & most thieves I caught were street people addicted to meth & they have a look. When you stop them from stealing, they call you a f**king goof & a rat & are quick with threats, so they use psychology to endoctrinate even their victims to be pro-crime.

[@christiandior5002]

Only war with china but probably use to the war planes to bring back the f directly 😂

[@isay207]

But why can't he get a job he's well spoken physically fit see😢ms intelligent enough

[@tungstenanderson5991]

The downtown eastside, includes Gastown. If you want to afford dignity and respect, let us know where YOU live, where you WORK and let your compassion shine. What part of this argument made you dictate is was them being hatched?

[@avistryfe4534]

I feel bad for the people that get trapped there. Escape is hard once your integrated and designated by society as worthless. People are still animals in the way they treat others.

[@bouffezlegumes8611]

Please tell more stories of our sisters and brothers in the DTES.

[@Peacelovegoodenergy]

This just shows the stigma that addiction still has in 2024. Substance users are people too

[@stephanblack4558]

If you have no shoes Pray for the man with no feet.

[@eligefashion]

Amen ❤

[@shellay6540]

Heartbreaking. Sorry that society let you down Boomer.

[@allanthomas6097]

Why would you right city council? Go to the tenancy board. It very hard to evict a person..

[@marneeklintworth9300]

It's very possibly ble when it's a huge safety issue his living in the 'electrical room' which is a space that is not made for living in or a public access location.

[@MichaelOBrien71]

How much is average rent in Vancouver? I bet it’s expensive. I would rather live in a tent full time then pay high rent. We are all on are way doing that in America

[@jarednil69]

Sadly he admitted still he had drug problems. 😮

[@stillcovalent]

RIP Boomer. Thanks for sharing your life story. I hope you are in a happier place now.

[@BTCCanada]

In two words don’t do drugs, specially in power electric room.

[@stephanblack4558]

They never take ownership, it's always someone else's fault. Take ownership and get help.

[@lynsweeney7257]

So sad that someone must go through all of that misery and die alone. Hope he is with God because he sounded like a good soul. We can see what a society is like by the way it treats its most needy people and animals/pets. God help us for forgetting to be more compassionate to those in need that are increasing day by day because of greed and selfishness.

[@TheRjansen]

Gather them up and send them to fight forest fires

[@KierraLakusta]

Such a heartbreaking story that many can relate to on the downtown eastside. RIP Boomer - you will not be forgotten

[@randysorensen6808]

That is dangerous with that voltage can arc right out of panel

[@Creashone]

This guy seems like he would have had more of a place to be in a smaller town or not sure what I am supposed to call it but I mean well - a reservation. Reservations are beautiful and there is space to have a home, a community...

[@MichaelOBrien71]

Boomer is not a dope fiend and is very likable. I hope he is doing better.

[@kazkazimierz1742]

What caused the fire?

[@RobynBosse]

Someone nodded off while cooking dinner

[@Bebedollie]

Godbless that man 🙏💙

[@Kneejair]

Leave places that are dying. Rot is too deep

[@fdggfgdfgd251]

Anyone notice cbc didn't even do anything about this guy in unsafe conditions... left the guy there in the electrical closet.. and he's dead due to fire Like I get if it was under a bridge or private property in a safe place. But wtf? How could they have let the guy live there and not report this. This needs to be investigated

[@BTCCanada]

Each minute of this report raises many questions and why’s. It’s interesting how B.C. by legalizing things wants to show people have a freedom choice because it’s cheaper than treatment it’s easier to give them drugs so weak people die faster.

[@tommywong3147]

The tragedy of hi housing cost and thousands of middle class citizens may fall into homeless ness if we don't increase housing supply. People we see everyday working in restaurant tim Hortons jenitors is this close of being homeless

[@somethingsomething404]

Well I can’t imagine he was allowed to stay there long after CBC came

[@nowistime8070]

he died two days after the interview

[@fdggfgdfgd251]

@@nowistime8070 and did u see her nonchalant update video? THIS SHOULD BE A LAWSUIT. U can't let sumone stay in a hazardous place. Disgusting cbc .. this isn't the same as under a bridge or basement. This is a hazardous place. Where was the call to BC HYDRO .. WHY DID CBC DO NOTHING

[@marneeklintworth9300]

They came, did the interview and when they returned the building had experienced the fire where he died - in THAT room! They didn't get a second opportunity to speak with him.

[@rnapol3266]

He died a few days after they started filming? Damn

[@Heartadia]

The BC government doesn't even pretend to pretend that it doesn't care about the impoverished population in BC anymore.

[@gskv3331]

There’s always exceptions. Unfortunately the exceptions don’t define the rest. I wish it did. This isn’t reality living there.

[@ancormane524]

Great new mayor of Vancouver rebuilding the great Chinatown

[@sweetheartivyivyherbert307]

What a heartbreaking report . Such a beautiful person lost due to the capitalistic corporate world that we are saddly liviing in. R i p boomer, i do hope your in a better place now and no longer alone.xxxxx

[@irenalbert9079]

I'm very sorry this life ,but they need job for changing life !!!

[@toddbecker3479]

There was a fire in the space, not ment for human occupation.......what a shame

[@XxlethalDJxX]

Life forges you into a battle hardened warrior or a broken human, it’s your choice always.

[@Thisisbailie]

Jerk

[@cheyenemariecole3006]

❤️🙏🏻✨️

[@yvetteandre7492]

💔

[@M.Bodark1608]

C'est triste ,beaucoup de personne n'ont pas eu la vie facile

[@NamaGenesis]

Bedding perhaps, something in the way.. I really did not think it was going to be that tragic. Could have been such a delightful older man in Vancouver, very unfortunate.

[@sarahminer6014]

my last life....

[@biancaehrenberg5957]

ah thats terrible to see. he deserved so much better than this country can or will, ever give.

[@AminiJalal]

I am sorry for him, but every year hundreds thousands of immigrant and refugees come to this country; many of them with daunting past; prosecuted, tortured, being from war zone,.... . Starting here from sub-zero with all cultural and language barriers. Majority of them are successful, and there is he, making excuses to justify his drug use! he had a choice through his life, many people do not have that! So please do not make fake hero!

[@M1978-p8j]

He grew up in an orphanage. Did you not watch the story? Easy assumption for you

[@nathalienurse3336]

They DID NOT make him a hero, they just told his story. They did not know he would die 2 days later!

[@M1978-p8j]

@@nathalienurse3336 exactly

[@Kilerwhale]

It’s heartbreaking for me to see this , as I also used to be in this situation back in 1986 last time in Vancouver ( Gastown , Hastings and Grandville street areas . Used to eat at the 44 back then . After 44 got closed there was a new place on Alexandre street . And I’m finally going back in June for couple weeks to look for someone I used to be with and who’s probably ( believing on the street still ) I’ll have to look around walking to see if I can find her . She’d be 73 this years and if anyone can help Me find her or guide me where to look , it be appreciated ( like Rhonda ) Have a story to talk about here too, but also need help . Perhaps cbc or If Rhonda or anyone else could help Me into finding this human being … please contact me I’ve tried APTN and others but still no reply yet . Someone somewhere will help me to find this person during these 2 coming up 2 weeks I hope 🙏🙏 thank you

[@marneeklintworth9300]

Who is it you are supposed to be looking for? Maybe put posters up or contact local programs in the area - they won't tell you yes or no but more often than not they'll pass the msg along to this mysterious woman who's name we don't know.... First name, initials (don't forget, may have been married at some point and changed last name, tattoos, birthmarks, distinctive scars, that type of thing....better than just you're looking for a woman in certain age group from this span of years when 44 was around. They are a viable entity but different program now, not like it used to be - I remember thoes days - you could hang all day, get decent meal, be entertained and still 'enjoy' something of a life through your friends who almost always helped as best they could

[@taladh5658]

So sad…

[@mkultra5752]

Exploitive journalism to start as a feel good piece and end on a sour note.. cbc should do better

[@michaelhart5070]

Not a bad setup. he has all the free electricity he needs!

[@marneeklintworth9300]

Well, didn't help him did it, especially if you are going to try and bypass the grid to create you ur own space.

[@michaelhart5070]

@@marneeklintworth9300 Where else is he supposed to go? and dont tell me shelter you never lived in one before! lol

[@TP-yw6hj]

What a beautiful person. This is world is fallen. I hope to meet Boomer up there one day.

[@ellenjessica2414]

Rest in peace Boomer. Heaven’s gained an angel.

[@mortaljorma69]

That newsreporter shoud have reported him for staying in that ”closet”. She and the whole film crew are responsible.

[@blurtam188]

Get off the drugs, get on the job. That would help these people.

[@Bebedollie]

Some people have a job but are still homeless

[@Bull3tBikes]

@@Bebedollie Yeah , theyre called functional addicts, 95 percent of their paycheque will go into feeding thier drug habit, i once worked construction on a building in north van, one of the site foreman was a crack addict, he would go behind the building next to the creek and do his stuff, yet he was still there every day and on time in the mornings.

[@stephanblack4558]

They never take ownership, it's always someone else's fault. Take ownership and get help.

[@thejoblesscoder]

Not everyone can. Some mental illnesses make it exceptionally hard if not impossible to hold a normal job for any length of time. That's with or without drugs

[@Hiphopdatruthnohate]

He’s at peace now .😇. Native power✊🏽🇨🇱

[@jasontomica8938]

Very sad

[@drewbarrymore6191]

😢😢😢😢

[@nildaaimini1954]

The canadian government has got money for wars ,but doesn t have money for buildings small apartments for poor people.Sorry to know he died

[@Yenyou-777]

😔- 🌱 🕯 ❤

[@VancouverCatDogLover]

RIP boomer! I used to see him around the DTES

[@andrzejcelinski1]

Rest in Power Boomer❤❤❤❤

[@mjordan5303]

This is so sad Bless to Boomer

[@foxbodyboys4483]

We need more big government to fix all this.. I say government should take care of everything and everyone.

[@frankmoon9350]

Welcome to Trudopia. This could be anyone.

[@coloquul]

stop making ems noiz downtown u rats. its disgusting. the people in condos matter!

[@tmcleung]

"Where do these people go?" That's a THEIR problem. Should've thought of that during their lifelong chain of bad life decisions.

[@slsilver481]

You don't know what their lives have been. Have some empathy

[@toddbecker3479]

He didn't fall through the cracks and the system did not fail him he failed himself

[@MichaelOBrien71]

God bless you Boomer

[@oOCentralSunOo]

🕯

[@toddbecker3479]

You people at the cbc try so hard to turn street rats and chugs into heroes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@SLIDEWAYSLIDEWAY]

Most of these idiots choose to use drugs and some continue to do so. Why should society give them free stuff when they could have worked for it. It's so senseless and hard to have pity for them.

[@SLIDEWAYSLIDEWAY]

@@truecrimeboozer no body cares anymore! 20 years ago the first safe injection site opened in North America, fast forward to today there are more OD's than ever before. China town is slowly dying, the streets are over run with BS all because there was compassion. People have run out of compassion and rather see immediate results. So go preach to someone who cares because I don't, those IDIOTS can all disappear.

[@Cockpit16478]

RIP BOOMER ✌️

[@stephanblack4558]

They never take ownership, it's always someone else's fault. Take ownership and get help.

[@rockyjohnson9243]

Get a job! but instead they choose drugs over shelter and work.

[@stephanblack4558]

They never take ownership, it's always someone else's fault. Take ownership and get help.

[@tommywong3147]

If u work minimum wage u basically no difference than homeless in Vancouver er. Being homeless u can afford stuff. Where if u have a roof then u can't afford anythinG. How much is a one bedroom bare minimum place in Vancouver? Probably your entire pay after tax. U need to eat and other stuff. So best option is to go homeless for a lot of people

[@jordanadams5902]

@@tommywong3147 live with roommates then lmao, its really not that hard

[@tommywong3147]

@@jordanadams5902 you know how much a 2 bedrooms are nowadays? u basicaly have 400 bucks more to spend. If u buy like a monthly pass on transit to work u r wiped out. Move the fuxk out of Canada I would say. Even novascotia and Alberta are getting expensive

[@johnnycrash3270]

I was Born & Raised in Vancouver 1959 to see people struggling and living on the streets AND WHY BECAUSE THE PEOPLE AT CITY HALL WANT ALL THE $$$$$ FOR THEMSELFS FUK THE UNFORTUNATE ONES WE MUST DINE AT "Joe Forties " and we need a $75,000 expence account on top of our salary

[@asphaltcowboy5172]

Vancouver is dying

[@toddbecker3479]

I sick and tiered of hearing racism as a cause.