Congratulations, City Hall, for being so well prepared to respond to the legal decision we've all been waiting for since June, on a court case that's been years in the making !!!
Presumably you've visited Portland's Dignity Village site, and talked with their city officials about the logistics involved with establishing this world class construct. Perhaps you've contacted one of the four churches in Olympia, Washington, who are helping co-ordinate their tent city.
In the summer I circulated an email with "the code of conduct i picked up at camp quixote in olympia -- hopefully something we can draw upon as we move towards tent cities in our own cities. to talk to one of the organizers (unitarians) call bill at 360-534-0323 or selena at 360-951-0326." I also posted photos and wrote about it in the Street Newz:
RESIDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND AGREEMENT
This statement is to be read, (or, if reading is difficult, it will be read by an assigned camp leader) and signed as a written covenant of good faith and promise of adherence to the requirements of the City of Olympia Ordinance for homeless encampments, between members of Camp Quixote and The Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
As a community of love, we all understand the need for guidelines for protection and safety. As a resident of Camp Quixote, now located on the property of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, I have read and understand the two agreements which follow and which are necessary for our camp community.
1. Our code of conduct states that there will be no alcohol, drugs, violence, stealing, or forced sex in our camp community. In addition, we will follow this and the requirements of the Olympia ordinance, which additionally prohibit (i) weapons in the camp (including knives over 3.5 inches), (ii) no unapproved open flames, (iii) trespassing or loitering on private property in the surrounding neighbourhood, or littering on such property or in the encampment.
As members of Camp Quixote, we will be reminded of these rules at our regular meetings and will enforce them. In addition, for the safety and well-being of us all, no uninvited guests will be welcome. Visiting hours are between 9 am and 9 pm and visitor must be accompanied by resident at all time. We will uphold this commitment.
2. As a resident of Camp Quixote, I agree to hold The Unitarian Universalist Congregation harmless if something happens to me on its property where we have currently been granted sanctuary.
Name: Date:
You've no doubt asked your coalition to end homelessness (who don't seem to have bothered putting me on their mailing list) to recommend places where Victoria's tent city can establish itself, and talked with city officials about providing garbage/recycling and sewage services. You've worked with the Faith in Action Coalition and the Committee to End All Homelessness (whose name you co-opted) about the logistics required to help the 1200 documented homeless people currently living in Victoria. There's no way you couldn't have known a tent city was on its way as soon as the legal decision was released - David Johnston's been sending consistent mass emails explaining this would be the consequence.
How, exactly, do you manage to accomplish so little when others can do so much? The little Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group has constructed two affordable housing units in as many years. I noticed that public officials showed up for the photo op. Wouldn't miss it!
What have you given us? You removed a piece of green space from park status so you can move the homeless from downtown and make them invisible inside yet another 'shelter'. The following week you tried to remove a second piece of green space from park status. Nice precedent.
Maybe this is why so many Canadians don't vote --- you obviously don't care about us, and subsequently we can't stomach endorsing you.
