The Portland Hotel Society says the Vancouver Police are investigating a staff member after $15,000 was allegedly taken from the bank account of one of its vulnerable residents.
In an exclusive interview, PHS Community Services Society Executive Director Jennifer Breakspear says she first learned of the allegation in early May.
“It was brought to light by another employee who was caring for this client,” she said. “The client themselves has cognitive deficits, and isn’t always wholly aware of situations in regards to his financial situation.”
Breakspear says the investigation began almost immediately.
“We connected with the resident’s bank. We connected with the Vancouver Police Department and we connected with the Public Guardian almost immediately,” she said.
“We have an internal investigation, and the Vancouver Police Department are also investigating.”
Breakspear described the situation as very upsetting.
“It made me sick to my stomach.”
“I have to say, I find the idea disgusting that anyone might take advantage of a vulnerable person such as this,” she says.
The staff member is currently on paid administrative leave. Breakspear has been at the helm of the previously embattled non-profit since January. She says it’s the only case she’s aware of where money has allegedly gone missing from a vulnerable client.
The allegation comes almost three-and-a-half years after PHS found itself at the centre of a fiscal mismanagement controversy. The non-profit’s board and management was overhauled after an external audit found hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending irregularities involving taxpayer money, including lavish trips, limo rides and spa days.
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