All Visitors:IDRequirements  NoVisitorsAfter10PM  NoPublicBathrooms
Channel: THAW Victoria
Date: 01/01/2017

844 Johnson, I went to their SOLID office for my fairly regular visit and check in, when  I saw two or more VICPD come out of that room (in background, I did not get great pictures but, I saw it, not sure how many were PHS staff versus police, all plain clothes, seemed like at least 4-5 VICPD, two for sure) and I guess it happens all too often, like maybe daily. Residents who are being surveilled, like all the time, camera's, SWAT and uniforms come and go and even have gone so far as to tell many of them when to leave their rooms before SWAT Action, or early on in a SWAT maneuver.

They treat many who have been in jail like they are in jail there, its why the term "Soft Incarceration".  Some residents know their rights, way more than regular citizens, they are under far too much duress and it is heart breaking to witness.  I am PTSD myself so, it can be challenging but, since I have the privelege of community, I go as often as my health allows.
It has also been heart warming, inspiring and empowering to witness them fight back, resist and even rebel.  Helps balance the mental anguish we can suffer as we witness too much brutality and fear mongering.  Many seem to be doing civil disobedience inside the building as a result of being oppressed by rules such as:
ID must be shown if you are a guest at 844 Johnson, BC Housing shelter run by Portland Hotel Society.

NO Public bathrooms and trust me, I am still flabbergasted.

No Visitors After 10:00 PM.  
That last one has got to be the most patrinising one yet and many inside are not doing it, others are, others have friends waiting outside all the time now, risking cold, as they wait they will use right there in front of everybody. No Where To Go!  
PHS seem fine with this activity outside the building, however,, local poor and homeless are stating this is unheard of and we always tend to find a spot for folks to be safe, private and not use in front of traffic when it is so unnecessary, people are in pain and suffer addiction, so lets corral them out to streets?  

I was warned, again, today, about the ID requirements, I have not showed any and refuse to.  This was how I felt about being asked about it again today: this here video.
go to thaw blog on ctehv.wordpress.com

See the Cowper Report:
A CRIMINAL
JUSTICE SYSTEM
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
 which proves what we at THAW, SIC Society and others who are criminalised been saying: The Police are running our social spaces and communities!

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/justice-reform-initiatives/cowper-report-4-anniversary-update.pdf