Free to Camp Coalition
“Homelessness Shouldn’t Be a Crime!”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 July 2004

Contact: 
Free to Camp Coalition: freetocamp@bust.com
http://www.geocities.com/freetocampcoalition/ 

Homeless Rights Coalition Urges New Mayor Hallman to Take Action on Homeless Issues Using Giant Cards.

To commemorate the start of the term of the new Mayor of Tempe, Hugh Hallman, which is scheduled for the 15th of July, members of the Free to Camp Coalition and Phoenix Food Not Bombs will have delivered personalized giant cards urging new action on the criminalization of homelessness and the absence of facilities for homeless in the City to Mr. Hallman and City Council members. The cards, which stand roughly two feet tall, and which are covered with pro-homeless artwork, such as depictions of houses the homeless might be living in, and tents the homeless might be sleeping in were facilities provided and camping made legal, were created by 20 members of both groups. The cards also feature a letter better explaining the issue. The cards are scheduled be delivered on the 15th.

The Urban Camping Ordinance (1997) makes it illegal to reside in a car, prepare food, and lay down bedding with the intent of sleeping.  Last year, 23 people were arrested for urban camping, leading to unnecessary public expense and unnecessary stress for the homeless. Other laws that explicitly target the homeless include the Public Urination Ordinance (1992), the Aggressive Solicitations Ordinance (1997), and the Sidewalk Sitting Ordinance (1998). 

During the Mayoral Election debates last winter, both candidates, Dennis Cahill and the new Mayor of Tempe, Hugh Hallman, promised that they would build a homeless shelter in Tempe. Currently, there is no homeless shelter in Tempe, although there are plans to erect a home for pregnant women. This home has been stalled and is now going forward because of grant money NOT associated with the City of Tempe. Although Tempe has day facilities, it has been reluctant to fund night facilities. Perhaps this would not be so detestable if it were not a crime to lay down a bed.
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