SWEEPS this week began on Tuesday 4/20/21 at Park and 18th Ave, Emerson and 19th. This “large encampment” was really three small encampments (3-4 tents) within 3-4 blocks of each other being labelled as a “large encampment”. The fencing was incredibly dangerous as it required all pedestrians to walk in the street on a very icy day. One resident, C, was on an ankle monitor having been released to his tent and was prohibited from moving more than 1000 yards. He was forcibly removed more than 1000 yards. When DOTI workers went to pull his tent up, it was frozen to the ground and they ripped the entire bottom off, leaving him with nothing to protect him from the weather. His tent went into the garbage truck. It was 18 degrees outside. Approximately 20 people were traumatically displaced.
SWEEPS continued on Thursday right behind the Capitol at Grant St between Colfax and 14th ave. We had some welcome cooperation from DPD, Officer Wilson who admitted 3 volunteers behind the fence to help a female resident who had doctor’s orders not to lift more than 30lbs. Officer Wilson advocated for this woman and was able to get her into a long term motel stay. Approximately 10 people were traumatically displaced.
Housed, Unhoused, and Businesses agree to the issues. People need housing. In the meantime, people need bathrooms, water, and trash pickup. The unhoused community has been asking for this for YEARS. Where will the millions of 2B money go? Will it go to providing these much needed services or will we keep throwing money to the wind with SWEEPS? SWEEPING people doesn’t work! We march Onward towards Rights, Dignity and Housing…
Contact:
info@denverhomelessoutloud.org
720-940-5291
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