Tuesday, May 27, 2008

NO more jails; NO more lies; NO more deaths

May 23, 2008


Dear Activist,

Save the date: Camp4Unity, Sunday, June 8th

The Mayor's protocols outlining how the city will conduct encampment clearances were released last month, and there is no substantial improvement. During a City Council committee meeting in early May, councilmembers in attendance listened intently while a dozen homeless advocates from the Real Change Organizing Project spoke from the heart on matters of loopholes, lack of oversight, criminalization of the poor, and many other concerns with on-going homeless sweeps. No changes are expected.
While the new protocols slightly improve provisions for notification, outreach, and storage of possessions, new loopholes were introduced that undermine the protections offered by severely limiting their application.

- Protections are denied to those who are not camped in groups
- Entire areas will soon be defined as permanent no-trespass zones where, again, the protocols will not apply.
- There are no external oversight and accountability measures.

Don't believe the City spin. These protocols are unacceptable and illegitimate. Resist the criminalization of survival in a time of growing homelessness and inadequate resources. Join the Real Change Organizing Project to Camp4Unity! No more sweeps. No more jails. No more lies. No more deaths.

Help us show the Mayor that we want all Seattle citizens to be safe - especially the most vulnerable. We demand a stop to the sweeps until the protocols have been rewritten to remove the loopholes, ensure access to services for anyone who needs them, and provide real oversight. Join us.

Camp4Unity
Sunday, June 8th - Monday, June 9th
Come for part of the event or for all of it!

Sunday, June 8th:
6 pm - 7 pm
Refreshments and setup

7 pm - 10 pm
Among friends and allies: A time for talk.

Monday, June 9th:
8 am - 9 am
Breakfast and visibility

9 am - 10 am
Memorial service for those who have died while surviving outside

For more information or to register contact Natalie
natalien@realchangenews.org
206.441.3247 X 206

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