As part of Global Studio, Candy worked with the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), a community organization of drug users and former users who provide peer support, education, and recovery help. Forced out of their SROs (single-room-occupancies) during the day, residents are left on the streets and many women are harassed in the male-dominant area. The neighborhood has the least amount of green space but the greatest demand for public facilities in the city. Inspired by Rebar’s Park(ing) project, the team collaborated with VANDU’s Women’s Group to plan and promote a community park in one of the area’s many vacant lots. They set up a temporary park in two street parking spaces, presented preliminary ideas for community spaces, archived successful case studies, gathered comments and feedback from local residents, spread the word through local media, and delivered a final petition package to the mayor.

In addition to the event, Candy designed a local resource guide made for and by recovering women. To help them keep track of meetings and maintain a positive schedule, the guide includes a blank calendar as well as a map of female-friendly organizations and phone numbers for crisis, legal and recovery help. The pamphlet is easily xerox-able, maintained by local community groups and, as suggested by VANDU members, it folds down to wallet-size for easy portability. 2006.

Temporary park on Hastings Street

Women’s Guide to Downtown Eastside Resources

The team, minus VANDU Women’s Group (for privacy)

Entire Global Studio Vancouver family, learning from and working with other community groups in the area