By Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Tyee When city workers confiscate personal belongings like tents and harm reduction supplies from people sheltering on the street, it increases their risk of non-fatal overdose and physical and sexual violence, according to a new study. Colloquially known as “street sweeps,” the practice refers to the clearing of makeshift residences from sidewalks and parks by city workers and park rangers. They are often accompanied by police. While the study shows correlation, not causation, it’s fair to say the practice is dangerous and puts marginalized people at an increased risk of harm, said Kanna Hayashi, St. Paul’s Hospital chair in substance use research and associate professor in the faculty of health sciences at Simon Fraser University. Hayashi is a co-author of the peer-reviewed…
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