BY REV. BRUCE WRIGHT
St. Petersburg, Fla.--As many know by now, the city has passed an ordinance that essentially criminalizes the homeless for sleeping on the street. So far, the Police are only informing the homeless community about the ordinance via flyer. Attorneys for the ACLU, the Southern Legal Center, The National Law Center on Poverty and Homelessness, as well as local attorneys and advocates are looking for ways to challenge this. Additionally, the Refuge and other advocates have set up a temporary shelter for about 23 people at Lakewood United Church of Christ. The city thus far has refused to grant a permit for tents and we are looking at ways to challenge it on a separation of Church and State status. The city's reason for not granting a permit is very weak (stating that it is a threat to the neighborhood). This community at Lakewood is run with say-so by the homeless residents, advocates and other parties.
By contrast, the city-run tent city has no input from the homeless, is not a flow-through (in other words, every time a homeless person is placed somewhere, a tent is taken down, rather than bringing another homeless person in), requires a picture taken and wrist band worn, and has a 24-hour police presence.
Additionally, 75 to 90 homeless citizens are staying temporarily at NW Presbyterian Church every night, but their time will be up as of this Saturday and they will be back on the street under threat of arrest due to the new ordinance. Also, baseball season is opening, as is the Grand Prix, and it is expected that the city will be attempting to "sweep the homeless" off the street. We are faced with many battles. But, we are planning on several responses, including legal actions, "sleep-outs" with the homeless, and protests. We encourage all citizens to put a tent in their front yard and show solidarity. Additionally, we encourage everyone to call for a moratorium on enforcement of the new ordinance until more shelter beds are created. And finally, to offer support and involve themselves in the marches and other actions we hold.
If you have questions about this or want to offer support please email me at bgcwright@aol.com or call 727-278-1547.
STATEMENT BY LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST MARCH 12, 2007
Each Sunday when we gather as a faith community, we recite the Mission Statement of our church, which includes the commitment to: Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
It is this commitment as a church of Jesus Christ that has led us to respond to the needs of the homeless people of our city.
In an effort to assist the city in meeting the need for additional space for the residents of tent city while more permanent transitional housing is being established, our church will be providing hospitality and land for 20-30 tents on a temporary basis. We have made a 30-day commitment which may be extended for an additional 30 days.
— Rev. Kim Wells, pastor
