DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE - A hunger strike was launched today at the site of the controversial proposed  Sequel 138 condo project near Main and Hastings.

(Formerly) Homeless Dave, 51, launched the hunger strike to protest gentrification and to back demands for adequate social housing in the area. His demands include: 100% community-directed social housing at the Sequel site with a healing and wellness centre; 100% social housing at the former cop shop on Main with a community-directed space focused on women and aboriginal people in recognition of the horrific damage done over the years by the Vancouver Police at that site and: that the City declare the Downtown Eastside a "Social Justice Zone" along with policies to make it happen.

“Gentrification is intensifying; the housing crisis is deepening, and the health of the people and the land are under serious threat.  Desperate times call for desperate measures,” says Dave.

The action is scheduled to move to outside the Pidgin Restaurant across from Pigeon Park at 6pm tonight. Organizers say Dave will be on hand at the Sequel site from 12 Noon - 1 pm on weekdays and at the Pidgin Tuesday-Friday from 6-8 pm.

The organizers say Dave will drink Sage tea and Happy Planet juice (once a day for diabetes) and that there will be regular weekly check ups with his health team. 

For more information call:   Wendy Pedersen:  604 839 0379 or Tami Starlight:  604 790 9943