I think the Coalition should not oppose meeting with a councilmember. Or, really, most anyone. One of the core tenets of the Coalition is to have a big tent – a place where all are welcome to be part of the discussion. I think this should
probably extend to engaging with all. We can certainly oppose the camping ban, but we can also meet with folks advocating for it to discuss our concerns so those concerns are understand and hopefully addressed. It also gives us a chance to understand others’
perspectives as well. I’m not saying you have to be a the meeting, but I think our Coalition should show up.
Somewhat in their defense, most of the Tacoma City Councilmembers accept as fact the statements of City staff around the unwillingness of people experiencing homeelssness to accept services and about the constant availability of shelter
beds. These are at best oversimplifications, but really are simply untrue statements. Countering false statements is no easy task.
I continue to believe a non-punitive camping ban of some sort is appropriate once we have established accessible shelter. That isn’t this proposed ban, and that isn’t now. Not to mention all the other issues Tristia identified in the ban.
-Gerrit
Living in Tacoma or Pierce County and Behind on rent?
Apply for Rent Assistance here.
Gerrit Nyland
Director of Operations
Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness
253-304-5105
From: steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org <steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org>
On Behalf Of Megan Capes
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:46 PM
To: Nathan Blackmer <nathanblackmer@gmail.com>
Cc: Kevin Glackin-Coley <kglackincoley@pchomeless.org>; Maureen Howard <mhoward@pchomeless.org>; steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org
Subject: Re: Steering Committee Updating on Ordinance 28756 - No Camping Ban
Speaking as TDSA chair -- I can confirm that we have begun organizing. We released a
statement Saturday &
letter campaign to whole council and City Manager's Office on our social media along with contacting our press list with this info. I would advocate that the Coalition signalboost the letter campaign because I feel like it's everything that we would align
with.
There is another round being released early tomorrow to press and social media. Tacoma Housing Now (endorsed by TDSA, Sunrise & others) is planning to stage a public encampment at City Hall starting Tuesday. I cannot speak to specific details
of the direct action as I've been bottomlining other things and TDSA has only endorsed, not co-organizing.
Speaking for myself now a part of SC-- In my opinion, we should
not align with Thoms as Nate said. The Coalition should not align with an ordinance criminalizing homelessness. A camping ban is a camping ban. No way around that, unless Thoms wants to pull this amendment.
He's also been sending an atrocious reply letter that is beyond atrocious. Beale texted me to apologize after because of the disrespect of me and unsheltered people. At one point, claiming that people street camping "need to be held accountable"
if they reject services.
Way better move to align with Beale. Walker a potential.
MC
On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 8:27 PM Nathan Blackmer <nathanblackmer@gmail.com> wrote: