However, many times people who have experienced homelessness or drug use are left out of the decisions that affect their lives. We can build gates, increase policing and look away when these solutions fail to address the problems. The probability of finding the best solutions is increased when people with direct experience of the issues are involved.
For more than 10 years, community groups of people with experience of drug use and homelessness have been growing in Victoria. Their goal has been to get involved in their community and enhance the social inclusion of people who have experienced homelessness and drug use and inform solutions.
It is simple — experiential knowledge is an important source of wisdom and without it, we misinterpret the real problems and miss the best solutions.
If we truly want a safe and healthy community for everyone, people who have experienced homelessness and who use drugs need to be key leaders and partners in developing community solutions.
As part of the University of Victoria’s Ideafest, the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C., the Society of Living Illicit Drug Users and the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness are hosting a workshop at 2:30 p.m. today at the Victoria downtown public library. It will discuss principles and strategies for social inclusion to promote health and safety for people who use drugs and develop effective solutions to address homelessness.
Bernie Pauly, associate professor
UVic school of nursing
