A human rights group in Vancouver is hoping to distribute free tents to the city's homeless in an attempt to temporarily shelter the homeless and bring attention to the city's homelessness when it plays host to the Winter Olympics.
The project is being spearheaded by Pivot Legal Society. The British Columbia Supreme Court famously struck down a law in the city preventing camping and tent-pitching in public parks.
"The group plans to team with local shelters to get bright red tents -- emblazoned with "Housing is a Right" and "End Homelessness Now!" -- into the hands of Vancouver's homeless. Red ponchos and tarps will also be offered, along with a chance for the public to sponsor tents at a cost of $100.
Metro Vancouver has upwards of 500 people with nowhere but the sidewalk to sleep, according to Pivot estimates. The city announced last week that all its emergency winter shelters are completely full."
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