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TDRC Media Releases |
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March 12, 2002 Occupation
a Success The Toronto Disaster Relief
Committee and supporters report success after their two-hour long
occupation held earlier today of the office of Eric Gam, Acting
Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services. The TDRC was requesting that the
200 bed shelter recommended by the City’s Homeless Advisory Committee be
opened immediately. “This can be accomplished by contacting the federal
government and requesting that both or one of the armouries be used as a
temporary emergency shelter, as has been done in the past,” says Beric
German of the TDRC. “This
shelter can be opened within 48 hours.” TDRC have pinpointed Eric Gam as a
key figure responsible for the present hostel crisis, and someone in a
position to request the immediate opening of the armouries. At an informal meeting with the
Acting Commissioner last week, Gam indicated that there was no shelter
emergency; there was space available; and that he would not call for the
use of the armouries as a shelter. The TDRC and supporters occupied his
office, equipped with ample evidence highlighting the current state of the
shelter crisis. Mr. Gam, not
present at the time, did agree to meet with the group in his office
tomorrow. A representative of the Mayor’s office has also been requested
to attend the meeting. In the alternative to the
armouries, the participants of the occupation were able to confirm that
Metro Hall could be used as a temporary emergency shelter.
Many brought sleeping bags to test out the facilities. Metro Hall
has previously been used as a shelter. For more information, contact TDRC at tdrc@tdrc.net -30- |