Tuesday, January 21, 2020

"HOUSING, NOT HANDCUFFS!": RALLY TO OPPOSE CRIMINALIZATION OF HOMELESSNESS

Skit in city hall. Stop the diversion, stop the abuse. Housing not homelessness.

Safety Net Project@SafetyNetUJC: 
"Data we recently received through a Freedom of Information request shows that @NYCMayor De Blasio's administration has significantly increased reliance on displacements of homeless people on the street over the past three years."

Safety Net Project@SafetyNetUJC: 
"With no corresponding increase in street homelessness, the De Blasio administration increased its displacements ("sweeps" or "clean-ups") of those on the street between 2017 and 2019 by nearly 45%."


Safety Net Project@SafetyNetUJC: 
"From 4/16-12/16 there were 155 coordinated displacements. From 1/2017-12/2017 there were 427 coordinated displacements. From 01/2018 - 12/2018 there were 519 coordinated displacements. From 01/2019 - 12/11/2019 there were 617 coordinated displacements."

This  weekend, I  got  an invitation  to a  hearing today at City Hall.
“Please join homeless New Yorkers and other advocates to oppose the increasing criminalization of homelessness! We will rally in advance of a Council hearing on the NYPD's so-called "Subway Diversion Program," a misguided initiative that aims to coerce homeless people into services with the threat of summonses.  Homeless New Yorkers need permanent housing and low-threshold safe haven shelters, NOT more interactions with police officers!”

On Tuesday at 1pm, City Council held an oversight hearing on the mayor's "subway diversion" program. The program involves police clearing trains of ostensibly homeless folks, primarily in Manhattan, then giving them a summons and telling them they can go to BRC to see a shelter intake worker and have the summons dismissed, or not go to BRC and have to follow through on the summons.

“We need housing not tickets,” read one of the signs at a rally outside City Hall before the hearing started.

UJC Safety Net Project and the UJC-affiliated Safety Net Activists as well Housing Works and other homeless advocates participated in the rally.

“I’ll be blunt,” noted Charles King, the head of Housing Works. “The de Blasio
Diversion program is an Orwellian lie.  Its about making people feel comfortable on the subway, not addressing the crisis of homelessness. That starts with housing, jobs”
and related services, including mental health counselling, and vocational training.
It does not mean  putting  people to the side,  at  the margins. 

Stop the Diversion  Program. 

Diversion is coercion, declared  advocate after advocate.

The De Blasio administration has increased its street sweeps of homeless folks by 44.5%, while there’s been no corresponding increase in folks living on the street according to the city’s own data.  

At the hearing, Councilman Steve Levin talked about homeless people being targeted for outspreading, or manspreading
It is  a way of criminalizing the homeless.
But this is not going to stop the crisis, he insisted.
What  gives me pause is that the police are profiling people who look homeless, noted Councilman Richards, the chair of the general welfare committee.
This is coercion, not diversion.
And most certainly, it is not a solution.
The NYPD is not the best group to be doing outreach to the homeless.

This is a coercive program  to get the homeless out of public space, noted Steve Levin.
A better solution would be to open the thousand beds that the city has promised for the homeless.
Levin read an  anonymous letter from members of the NYPD about the program posted  on the website https://www.diversioniscoercion.nyc/:

As dedicated officers assigned to the NYPD Transit Bureau, we are writing on what we feel is a matter of utmost importance; the blatant discrimination against the homeless in the NYC subway.  The Diversion Program that is being advertised by the Mayor as helping the homeless can be nothing further from the truth.  He has found a willing partner in the leadership of the NYPD, who have a history of only understanding numbers and intimidating its officers, to complete the task.  With the creators and believers of the program claiming success, the program is now being rapidly expanded into a version we fear is the worst yet. The homeless are now clearly being targeted as violators of transit rules and being treated differently than any other citizen.  Using the technicality of not having identification or an address, the NYPD is using this as an excuse to have a legal interaction with homeless individuals.  This is a drastic change compared to how we have treated the homeless in the past.  What the public isn't being told is that homeless people are now being handcuffed, put over the radio as an arrest, and then brought into our transit commands.  There, the homeless individuals are being coerced into services that could have been provided without having to handcuff and bring them in.  They are being threatened to accept services and told that if they refuse, they will get a ticket, which most can't afford to pay, or go to jail for a violation that the Manhattan DA has already made clear will be refused for prosecution anyway.  It isn't about helping them. The most common violation, called outstretched, it the same violation committed by anyone who even lays their bag on another seat.  This is something we all have done ourselves and witness everyday.  Those situations are not addressed in the same manner.  Can you imagine if we arrested someone in a business suit, on their commute home, with their briefcase on the seat next to them and happened to have forgotten their ID that day?  Or if it was a 16 year old sitting in the stairway waiting for their train so they can get to school?  There would be an uproar.  We don't bother those people because, as officers, we use discretion.  The reason why the same is not true with the homeless is that the leadership has chosen to take that decision away from us.  NYPD brass are using the Diversion Program as a new quota, implemented through the use of the usual fear-driven tactics to motivate its Officers to complete the task.  We are constantly being threatened and told by our immediate supervisors to get diversions.  We are being boldly told how many to bring in a day.  In addition, we now have forced overtime, disguised as quality of life operations. They are being team led by a supervisor to make sure we are arresting the homeless, rather than offering them services in the field.  Majority of these arrests are being assigned.  Why can't a police officer treat the homeless the same as an outreach team?  Why are they now being treated differently?  There is a clear double standard at play against the homeless. The CCTV for the Diversion Program that is claiming to be used for "rapid deployment of outreach to address client needs" is really being used to call our commands directly to dispatch us.  We are then being specifically told by the command to bring that person in as a diversion arrest.  In addition, most of the overtime is done in plainclothes to both try to please officers so they can excuse the action in their minds, and to have the ability to blend into the crowd so we can sneakily grab the homeless without attracting as much attention from the public.  There are even some commands that have pictures of homeless individuals they are keeping tabs on right next to pictures of wanted criminals, blurring the lines of what qualifies as a "bad guy" for the NYPD.  This shift is dangerous, especially for new officers that don't remember a time before this.  The Diversion Program has become an obsession.  We have lost focus on overall crime and especially counter-terrorism, leaving citizens more vulnerable.  Instead, we are unjustly criminalizing individuals who have done nothing worse than the average person in the subway all because they have no home.  It isn't helping anyone. Treating the homeless in this manner is changing the morality of what it means to be a police officer, sworn to protect all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.  Many of us are conflicted on what we are being told to do, but we are forced to follow orders, or face disciplinary action. This message is being sent anonymously, as we fear repercussions from our job.  Please let us know this message was received and brought to the right people, as this window of communication can't stay open for long.  Ask the dedicated members of this department if they feel what they are doing is right.  Ask the public.  We are asking you to help us challenge their word on this program for all to see.  Let us know that we have solidarity.
- Yours Faithfully”

After Levin’s testimony, a group of advocates put on a skit about the problem,
highlighting the ways the diversion moves to penalize the homeless, instead of solving the problem or connecting them with housing.

“Stop the Abuse, End Homelessness!” they screamed.
Hopefully the council and mayor’s office are listening. 



















12 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Believe me I have used Dr Aziba herbal Medicine cure remedy for 2 WEEKS now. So far, it has cured my HERPES, eliminated my COLD SORE, improved energy and metabolism, in the morning I feel recharged and I no longer feel sleepy after a meal. As for the scent, it does smell like motor oil but I chase it down with 100% Herbal medicine from Dr Aziba. twice a day AFTER a meal. I also experienced vivid dreams for about 5 days now it’s diminishing to during the first 2 or 3 hours of sleep . contact Dr Aziba: EMAIL: priestazibasolutioncenter@gmail.com or whatsapp +2348100368288 and He also have herbs medicine to cure some popular diseases....
      Some other disease disturbing your health get connected with Dr Aziba for the herbal cure

      Delete
    2. Hello everyone, am very happy to share this little awesome testimony about Dr olu a great herbal doctor who help me enlarge my penis size.3.2 cm to 8.3 cm longer with his herbal cream mixture, my girlfriend is now so amazed with the autonomous size of my penis , if you you are also in need of help on how to enlarge your penis to become bigger and stronger I adverse you to contact Dr on his email (drolusolutionhome@gmail.com) ) you or contact on whatsapp number +2348140654426 because he is one of the best herbal doctor that i can only show you up to, if your penis is 4.2 cm and want to get it reach 9.2 cm within three weeks i Dr olu is also specialized on obey m breast and boobs enlargement i advise you to contact him for help    
























      Hello everyone, am very happy to share this little awesome testimony about Dr olu a great herbal doctor who help me enlarge my penis size.3.2 cm to 8.3 cm longer with his herbal cream mixture, my girlfriend is now so amazed with the autonomous size of my penis , if you you are also in need of help on how to enlarge your penis to become bigger and stronger I adverse you to contact Dr on his email (drolusolutionhome@gmail.com) ) you or contact on whatsapp number +2348140654426 because he is one of the best herbal doctor that i can only show you up to, if your penis is 4.2 cm and want to get it reach 9.2 cm within three weeks i Dr olu is also specialized on obey m breast and boobs enlargement i advise you to contact him for help    







      Delete
    3. Herbal Penis Enlargement product is 100% guarantee to Enlarge and get a better ERECTION DO YOU WANT AN URGENT HERBAL CREAM FOR PENIS ENLARGEMENT:CONTACT DR OLU , at drolusolutionhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp : +2348140654426 If You Are Looking For The Best Penis Enlargement Products And You Have: 1. Small Size. 2. Male Low Libido. 3. Male Impotence. 4. Laziness in the Bed. 5. Premature Ejaculation. 6. Cannot Satisfy Your Partner. 7. Or Any Other Sexual Concern. Call or whatsapp +2348140654426 FREE & FAST Delivery















      Herbal Penis Enlargement product is 100% guarantee to Enlarge and get a better ERECTION DO YOU WANT AN URGENT HERBAL CREAM FOR PENIS ENLARGEMENT:CONTACT DR OLU , at drolusolutionhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp : +2348140654426 If You Are Looking For The Best Penis Enlargement Products And You Have: 1. Small Size. 2. Male Low Libido. 3. Male Impotence. 4. Laziness in the Bed. 5. Premature Ejaculation. 6. Cannot Satisfy Your Partner. 7. Or Any Other Sexual Concern. Call or whatsapp +2348140654426 FREE & FAST Delivery

      Delete

    4. Hello everyone am here to give my testimony about how Dr LOSA brought
      back my happiness.Dr LOSA have really be a good man to me, he help
      me cured my herpes virus after two years of suffering and now am a
      living testimony to the world and my family are now happy again
      just like before all because of the herbs Dr LOSA prepare for me.
      Dr LOSA is a well recognized herbal doctor all over the world,
      he is very important in the society because he have the cure and
      treatment to all kinds of diseases,and bring back my happiness within
      the space of 21 days.If you also need his help you can contact him
      via email: dr.losaherbalhome@gmail.com you can also call or whatsapp his +2349056464736

      He cure listed diseases

      CANCER

      HEPATITIS A AND B

      DIABETIC.

      HERPES

      HIV CURE

      Delete

  2. Believe me I have used Dr Aziba herbal Medicine cure remedy for 2 WEEKS now. So far, it has cured my HERPES, eliminated my COLD SORE, improved energy and metabolism, in the morning I feel recharged and I no longer feel sleepy after a meal. As for the scent, it does smell like motor oil but I chase it down with 100% Herbal medicine from Dr Aziba. twice a day AFTER a meal. I also experienced vivid dreams for about 5 days now it’s diminishing to during the first 2 or 3 hours of sleep . contact Dr Aziba: EMAIL: priestazibasolutioncenter@gmail.com or whatsapp +2348100368288 and He also have herbs medicine to cure some popular diseases....
    Some other disease disturbing your health get connected with Dr Aziba for the herbal cure

    ReplyDelete
  3. Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations,don't waste more time get connected with Dr AZIBA for herbal medicine to get rid of HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSES via Email: PRIESTAZIBASOLUTIONCENTER@GMAIL.COM or Via WhatsApp +2348100368288.

    ReplyDelete

  4. HELLO EVERYONEI’M SO GRATEFUL TO DR. ONUWA FOR CURING ME COMPLETELY FROM HERPES VIRUS . I WAS TOLD I HAVE HERPES IN 2011, I HAVE BEEN TAKING DIFFERENT KINDS OF MEDICATION STILL YET NO IMPROVEMENT UNTIL I SAW TESTIMONIES OF DR. ONUWA CURING HERPES, DIABETES, HIV AND OTHER DISEASE I WAS SKEPTICAL ABOUT CONTACTING HIM BUT I ALSO KNEW THE IMPORTANCE OF HERBAL MEDICINE, I MADE UP MY MIND AND CONTACTED HIM WE TALKED ON PHONE AND HE PREPARED AND GAVE ME MEDICINE WHICH I TOOK ACCORDING TO HIS DOSAGE INFORMATION. NOW I’M SO HAPPY I’M CURED FROM HERPES MY HEART IS SO FILLED WITH JOY, THANK YOU SO MUCH DR. ONUWA . IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU HAVE HERPES OR ANY KIND OF DISEASE CONTACT HIM TODAY EMAIL:DRONUWA2@GMAIL.COM .. HE CURE LISTED DISEASES CANCER HIV ALS EX BACK JOB OPPORTUNITY HEPATITIS A AND B DIABETIC. ETC

    ReplyDelete

  5. Hello everyone am here to give my testimony about how Dr LOSA brought
    back my happiness.Dr LOSA have really be a good man to me, he help
    me cured my herpes virus after two years of suffering and now am a
    living testimony to the world and my family are now happy again
    just like before all because of the herbs Dr LOSA prepare for me.
    Dr LOSA is a well recognized herbal doctor all over the world,
    he is very important in the society because he have the cure and
    treatment to all kinds of diseases,and bring back my happiness within
    the space of 21 days.If you also need his help you can contact him
    via email: dr.losaherbalhome@gmail.com you can also call or whatsapp his +2349056464736

    He cure listed diseases

    CANCER

    HEPATITIS A AND B

    DIABETIC.

    HERPES

    HIV CURE

    ReplyDelete

  6. What a great testimony is this about doctor losa 5 months ago i was seaching for a doctor who would help me too cure my Hsv and i went to facebook to search for doctors and i saw different herbal doctors but i was scared but i contacted doctor losa to just try my luck i never knew he was a great man and man of his words i told him my problems and he sent me his product and told me the instruction on how i will be taking it after 3 weeks i went for medical check up and the news was the greatest testimony i ever heared confirmed negative.and you can contact him on is EMAIL dr.losaherbalhome@gmail.com or his whatsapp number +2349056464736

    ReplyDelete
  7. My husband left me for another woman after one year of our marriage. I needed him back desperately because i loved him so much. I became very worried and needed help. On this faithful day  as i was browsing through the internet, I came across a particular testimony about this good DR IROSI help get ex back fast and stop a divorce or breakup and so on , So I felt I should give him a try. I contacted him and he told me what to do and i did it then he did a (return Love spell) for me. 48 hours later, my husband came back to me crying and begging for my forgiveness. Today I’m so happy and i want to recommend this great spell caster to anyone that truly needs an urgent solution to his or her broken relationships and marriage email him at:(DRIROSISOLUTIONCENTER@GMAIL.COM) Simply contact the great “DR IROSI” If you have any problem contact him and i guarantee you that he will help you., do not cry anymore-contact this powerful spell caster now. Thank you DR IROSI for saving my broken relationships and brought my husband back to me!” email him at: (DRIROSISOLUTIONCENTER@GMAIL.COM) or call/whatsapp him via: +2348118829771.    

    ReplyDelete
  8. INSTEAD OF GETTING A LOAN,, I GOT SOMETHING NEW
    Get $5,500 USD every day, for six months!

    See how it works
    Do you know you can hack into any ATM machine with a hacked ATM card??
    Make up your mind before applying, straight deal...

    Order for a blank ATM card now and get millions within a week!: contact us
    via email address:: Blankatmhacker007@yahoo.com or whatsapp: +1 (620) 307-3174

    We have specially programmed ATM cards that can be used to hack ATM
    machines, the ATM cards can be used to withdraw at the ATM or swipe, at
    stores and POS. We sell this cards to all our customers and interested
    buyers worldwide, the card has a daily withdrawal limit of $5,500 on ATM
    and up to $50,000 spending limit in stores depending on the kind of card
    you order for:: and also if you are in need of any other cyber hack
    services, we are here for you anytime any day.

    Here is our price lists for the ATM CARDS:

    Cards that withdraw $5,500 per day costs $200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $10,000 per day costs $850 USD
    Cards that withdraw $35,000 per day costs $2,200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $50,000 per day costs $5,500 USD
    Cards that withdraw $100,000 per day costs $8,500 USD

    make up your mind before applying, straight deal!!!

    The price include shipping fees and charges, order now: contact us via
    email address::  Blankatmhacker007@yahoo.com  or whatsapp: +1 (620) 307-3174

    ReplyDelete