Vancouver Mayor Gregor has joined forces with an unlikely ally in his crusade to end homelessness in Vancouver.

Robertson spoke with prominent anti-Olympic activist Chris Shaw Wednesday night at "Two Worlds Share-the-Gold" – a campaign aimed at uniting government, corporations and individuals in the effort to fight poverty.

Reverend Ric Matthews of the First United Church said a coordinated effort is needed to battle what he sees as a massive problem in the city's downtown eastside.

"Whether we agree with the Olympics or whether we oppose the Olympics the reality is that it's proved what we are capable of doing. It is suggesting that we need is a Vanoc-like initiative that can address the needs of homelessness," he said.

Chris Shaw says "endless" resources have been committed to the 2010 Games and questions why the same amount can't be committed for finding housing for B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens.

"If you have that boundless energy to stage this party where is the money and the energy and the dedication to deal with the major social problem of our city?" he said.

But Gregor Robertson says ending homelessness is an achievable goal.

"If Vancouver is capable of hosting the Olympics, of doing all of the incredible work it has taken to prepare and host the games -- an epic event over 17 days -- we definitely can channel that same energy, that same purpose into ending homelessness in our city," he said.

The issue is already on the B.C. government's radar in advance of the Games.

Earlier this week, the province opened what it calls an information centre for foreign journalists, the Downtown Eastside Connect.

"There are services here, the supports are here, housing is being built and there's more coming," Housing Minister Rich Coleman said Monday.

But David Diewert of the Justice for All Networks doubts the promised support become a reality.

"They just want to spin this to make it look like something is happening when in fact there is very, very little happening," he said.

The Share-the-Gold campaign is adding its voice to the call for help. Supporters will wear yellow or gold scarves during the Games and pledge five per cent of their personal Olympic spending to a fund supporting their campaign.

Next week, anti-Olympic protestors plan to take their message to the streets.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber