The non-profit group that runs a controversial Vancouver SRO is defending itself, after business owners say conditions have rapidly deteriorated in the area.
A non-profit group, Atira Women's Resource Society, defends its operation of the Luugat SRO, formerly a Howard Johnson hotel on Granville Street, amid criticism from business owners who cite increased drug use and disorder since it became supportive housing in 2020. While Atira's CEO questions whether the location was ideal, she notes it was the agreed-upon solution at the time. Police data shows a significant increase in calls to the building after its conversion.