The author is clearly unaware that one of the most decrepit skidrows in Canada is in Vancouver. She speaks as if the middle class Vancouverites have been squeezed out of the nicer neighbourhoods. You can rent in West Vancouver for a reasonable cost. East Vancouver also has legal suites that rent for a reasonable cost. If she cares for the essentiality of housing, she should be preaching to the homeless living around East Hastings. not the middle class.