Memorial held for members of Surrey’s homeless community who have died

SURREY, B.C. — Former residents of a tent encampment in Surrey, B.C., gathered Sunday to send a message that even though the so-called “Surrey Strip” has been dismantled, homelessness has not been solved.

One-time occupants of the encampment that housed about 170 people got together with their loved ones and allies to remember those who have died while homeless in the city and its surrounding region.

Memorial organizer Wanda Stopa says coming together is her way of mourning and demonstrating that the lives of homeless people matter.

The more than 80 tents that made up the encampment were taken down more than a year ago, and residents were given access to shelter beds or 160 units of modular housing in the area.