OPPOSE STREET SWEEPS OF SEATTLE'S HOMELESS!

Dear Activists:

We're an ad hoc coalition of homeless & housing advocacy groups concerned that the impending WTO Ministerial Conference will cause the city to engage in sweeps of the homeless off the streets of Seattle. We are inviting you to join us in opposition to such an action. Our first step is to invite all concerned people to draft supportive letters to city officials and the WTO Host committee along the lines of our 9/3 letter (enclosed). Below are some of the key points we would like you to consider including. If you do draft such a letter, please carbon copy to us, and we will keep you informed about further actions opposing street sweeps.

Also, please contact SHARE/WHEEL (P.O. Box 2548, Seattle WA 98111, 206/448-7889) with suggestions for sites for their planned Tent City during the WTO conference. They are searching for a privately-owned location, preferably in the Ride Free Zone, that could be available immediately before and throughout the WTO Ministerial Conference, November 29 through December 3.

Thank you!

Coalition including:

SHARE/WHEEL, Nonviolent Action Committee of Cascadia, Food Not Bombs

Contact us c/o FNB, P.O. Box 45523, Seattle WA 98145; email: fnb@scn.org

Addressees:

Key Points:

*Concern that WTO security measures will unfairly impact on Seattle's homeless citizens

*Point out that street sweeps will constitute an abridgement of civil rights

*All street sweeps will be recorded and witnessed by citizens

*Demand a public assurance of no sweeps

*Demand a public assurance of official support or tolerance for SHARE's planned Tent City

September 3, 1999

To:
Mayor Paul Schell
City Councilmembers Sue Donaldson, Martha Choe, Richard Conlin, Margaret Pageler, Richard McIver, Jan Drago, Nick Licata, Peter Steinbreuck, Tina Podlodowski
Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper
cc:
Seattle Host Organization
U.S. Senators Patty Murray & Slade Gorton U.S. Representatives Jim McDermott, Jennifer Dunn, Adam Smith, Jay Inslee State Senators Margarita Prentice, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Adam Kline, Pat Thibaudeau
State Representatives Eileen Cody, Velma Veloria, Helen Sommers, Mary Lou Dickerson, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Kip Tokuda, Edward Murray, Frank Chopp King County Executive Councilmembers Maggi Fimia, Cynthia Sullivan, Louise Miller, Larry Phillips, Dwight Pelz, Rob McKenna, Pete von Reichbauer, Greg Nickels, Kent Pullen, Larry Gossett, Jane Hague, Brian Derdowski, Chris Vance
Gov. Gary Locke
President Bill Clinton

Dear City Officials:

We are writing to you because of our concern over the impact of the upcoming WTO conference in Seattle on the local homeless community. While we are sensitive to the need for heightened security requirements for this conference, we are also worried that some of these security measures may further threaten the civil rights of disenfranchised people. We are also concerned that some who are embarrassed by the dramatic disparities in wealth and living standards in Seattle will attempt to use 'law enforcement' measures to make these disparities less visible during the WTO conference.

As you are well aware, the number of homeless men and women in Seattle is double the number of available shelter spaces. Low-income people from throughout the world -- who also are without housing in Seattle -- will also be coming to participate at the WTO conference.

During the 1993 Asian Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) hosted here, hundreds of homeless Seattle residents were swept off the streets and into jail. The pattern we have observed is that during events such as the Goodwill Games, the APEC conference, and other periods of heightened tourism, a much higher percentage of people are arrested for minor offenses than during periods of less national/international attention. Individuals with outstanding warrants are arrested much more often during this type of public event. Law enforcement authorities have been known to use more 'power of persuasion' to get homeless people of visible areas during these events. We need to ensure that this pattern is not repeated during the WTO ministerial conference.

Here is what we are asking for: an assurance that increased arrests of poor & homeless citizens or increased limitations of social services will not occur prior to or during the WTO conference. We would be glad to work with city officials & security organizations to prevent unnecessary intrusions upon homeless citizens civil rights and survival, while assuring public security and the safety of homeless people themselves. Recognizing that time is an issue, we are asking that you please respond to our concerns by September 17th.

Because of the heightened security measures, and the added stress on local resources during this conference, it is especially important to have safe emergency shelter for people without indoor alternatives. To meet this continuing need, SHARE and WHEEL plan to set up an emergency shelter Tent City for Seattle homeless in the downtown area. All of us support this effort. We are also asking for the city's assistance in protecting and supporting this encampment. We believe that a model Tent City, shown to be safe and effective in the past, can showcase for the world Seattle's compassionate understanding and willingness to work on realistic solutions to social problems.

Please respond to us at the following addresses:

c/o Food Not Bombs, P.O. Box 45523, Seattle 98145-0523 FAX: 206/632-1656

SIGNED:
Nonviolent Action Committee of Cascadia Seattle Food Not Bombs
SHARE/WHEEL
King County Coalition for the Homeless
Operation Homestead
Jameson Quinn
Scott Winn, Seattle city organizer for Seattle Tenants Union