Several people working with the Stop the Sweeps Pdx coalition have created a people’s neighborhood legal collective “sweeps support hotline”, designed for houseless folks and supporters to call and report any and all sweeps-related activities. Flyer is attached, w/ the number and brief “know your rights” info. Let us know if you do not have access to a printer and we can get you some copies.
This is a crucial resource as the city gears up to sweep encampments of 8 or more tents despite unprecedented housing and health crises, and indeed has recently swept Riot Ribs and others holding it down near the justice center.
When people call the hotline, they can expect a calm presence, someone to take down detailed notes (stored on a secure server) who will follow up with the person as needed, and potentially connect people with legal resources and other supports.
As part of this effort, several people are also developing nascent sweeps rapid response infrastructure, which is evolving day by day as more people get involved. If you or others want to be ‘on call’ for rapid sweeps support or involved in planning as groups have recently done in Denver, join our next meeting, Saturday at 2 or respond to this email in the meantime. Also respond to this email if you’d like to get involved in the hotline!
