Announcement from BeLoved House:
This past Tuesday, the Asheville Police Department did a sweep of campsites giving people who were homeless a seven day notice of eviction. After seven days, tents and other belongings will be destroyed. Let us be clear that all people have a right to survive. Shelter is a basic necessity and should be a right of all citizens. We stand convicted that our city must provide safe space for all her citizens.
Evicting people from the only safe shelter that they have is no solution. The city’s Homeless Initiative (10 Year Plan to End Homelessness) represents a real solution through the housing first model. Many of those who are camping currently are waiting for housing through the Homeless Initiative. This sends a mixed message to these folks. Our ends and our means much match. Towards the real solution we are all seeking: to end the suffering of our citizens who are homeless, we call for the following actions by our city:
1) In the short term, an immediate end to police sweeps of homeless encampments and either enough shelter space for ALL our homeless citizens or a safe space to camp legally.
2) In the long term, decriminalizing homelessness in Asheville. It should not be a crime to be without a home.
JOIN US TO STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT TUESDAY, APRIL 24TH
4:15 PM RALLY AT CITY HALL
5 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
We will be utilizing tents that have been slashed in the past to fashion symbols of solidarity: crosses, Stars of David, peace signs, hearts, etc. We will have them available at BeLoved House to wear in solidarity with campers. You can pick them up beginning Monday or at the rally on Tuesday.
For more information contact: BeLoved House
39 Grove St., Asheville
828-242-8261
www.beloved.bbnow.org
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