Posted by Carolyn Classen
Over 125 people filled up the Lower Level 1 meeting room of the Joel D. Valdez Main library yesterday in downtown Tucson for a Community Forum/panel discussion on homelessness. Tim Steller, columnist at the Arizona Daily Star moderated a panel of eight individuals:
Michael Keith, CEO of Downtown Tucson Partnership
John Cooper, Organizer with Occupy Public Land
Michele Ream, Social Services Outreach Rep. and Organizer with Community Supported Shelters Tucson
Anthony Potter, Co-founder of Safe Park, and Field Organizer with Occupy Public Land
Jodi Barnes, City of Tucson Community Development
Jon McLane, Co-founder of Safe Park, and Field Organizer with Occupy Public Land
Michael B. Schwartz, Founder of Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB)
Dave Ferrari, Pastor of Central City Assembly
This event was co-sponsored by Downtown Tucson Partnership, Primavera Foundation, Tucson Arts Brigade, Occupy Public Land, Safe Park, Community Supported Shelters, Nonviolence Legacy Project and Central City Assembly. The only politician represented was Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik (who was ill) – his Chief of Staff Ann Charles was present and spoke at the Q & A session afterward, saying they wanted to assist in continuance of this dialogue.
As we walked in there was a flyer (based on a recent January 30 survey of homeless at Safe Park) entitled “WHAT WE WANT” and this is what was listed:
24 hour bathrooms
Daily showers
Campgrounds
Jobs
To be left alone
Storage lockers
Housing
Coffee
More drop-in/community centers
Elimination of Black Line
Power stations
No income bus passes
Non weapons based industry
Seating in public areas
The right to sit downtown
Community gardens
Recycling
Non weapons based economy
Food
Wi-Fi
Business creation assistance