‘Stuck in my room for the last 4 months’: Vancouver SRO residents trapped by broken elevator – BC | 24CA News
Residents of a single-room-occupancy or SRO resort in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside say they’ve been trapped of their rooms because the constructing’s elevator broke down final September.
“I’ve been stuck in my room for the last four months,” Victor Dickinson informed Global News in an interview Saturday.
Dickinson, who has mobility points, lives in certainly one of 88 items of non-profit housing on the Portland Hotel at 20 West Hastings.
“A lot of times I just watch out the window, nowhere to go,” he stated.
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Dickinson has used a wheelchair for a couple of 12 months and a half after he stated a severe fall shattered each of his legs.
With the elevator out of service, leaving his second-floor room is nearly unattainable.
“I go down bum first,” Dickinson stated, referring to the steps.
After rigorously sliding down two flights of stairs on his rear, Dickinson stated he has to rearrange for somebody to carry his wheelchair to the bottom flooring.
“I crawl down the stairs and I try to get in it, sometimes I miss the chair and I fall on my ass,” he stated.
“Not a very good deal.”
Getting exterior for a cigarette has additionally been a wrestle for resident Rick Pelletier, who stated he’s “crippled” with hip and again points.
“I got to walk up eight floors every day and I go up and down,” stated Pelletier, who want to see the elevator fastened.
“It’s hard on the back and the hip.”
The Portland Hotel, which is simply over 20 years outdated, is operated by PHS Community Services Society, with Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Housing as neighborhood companions.
Global News reached out to PHS concerning the damaged elevator however didn’t obtain a response by deadline.
Vancouver Coastal Health stated it will not be capable of present any data till Monday.
BC Housing referred Global News to B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, who stated the elevator requires an advanced repair that has been delayed by provide chain challenges.
“BC housing went in, had a look and realized they actually had to replace major parts of the elevator,” Kahlon informed Global News in an interview Saturday.
Kahlon stated a contractor has been employed to do the work, which is anticipated to be accomplished by April.
“We have offered residents that have mobility issues alternatives to make sure that they have their needs accommodated.”
Ten folks have accepted momentary housing elsewhere, based on Kahlon, who stated BC Housing is prepared to work with any Portland Hotel residents who nonetheless have to relocate.
Dickinson acknowledged one younger lady on the Portland Hotel has been very nice and has even assisted him in getting round.
“She says you’re going to fall, I’m going to hang on to you so you don’t fall, and I sure appreciate her help.”
But when requested if he has any high quality of life in his present state of affairs, Dickinson stated “No.”
“It’s been terrible.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
