Riverview Hospital, the most iconic mental health hospital in British Columbia, will close its doors for good this August. But while de-institutionalizing people with mental illness is considered best practice, a lack of affordable mental health services has condemned many to life on the streets. In Issue 107 of Megaphone Magazine we examine the health benefits of supportive housing, as well as accessible health services, for homeless people with mental illnesses.

Also in this issue: In a city that's always in need of more shelter, we cover the renovation announcement for the 329 Powell Place Women's Shelter that will see its capacity and services double. That won't erase the stigma of poverty, however, as you'll learn in our piece on a new study out of the University of Wisconsin that says poverty discrimination is bad for kids' mental and physical health. But sometimes the best thing for your mental health is just to get away from it all. One of our Writing Workshop participants tells us his secrets for the best low-income getaway (hint: it involves a rickety bike, a 25-year-old pup tent, and the road less travelled).

David Suzuki examines the health of our homes on a broader scale, talking about the oil pipeline spills in Alberta, and what they mean for B.C.; local breakout band The Japandroids talks about their (now former) days in relative obscurity; and Megaphone vendor Bob says good bye to his father who recently passed away. As always we feature poetry from our Writing Workshops, arts listings, horoscopes, and more. 

Support your local vendor and pick up Issue 107 of Megaphone today!