510-595-4661
Greens@richmondgreens.net

The Richmond Greens Say:
"No criminalization of homelessness."

At the Winter Olympic Torch Relay in Richmond on January 19, 2002

REPEAL the callous and cruel City of Richmond ANTI-HOMELESS ordinance (12/11/01) and all laws that criminalize any facet of homelessness or helping the homeless.

ABOLISH anti-sleeping laws.

Strictly enforce all laws that are designed to help the homeless, such as laws that require the opening of National Guard armories to the homeless during inclement weather.

Strengthen and increase funding of mental health and drug rehabilitation systems.

Designate a safe and sanitary parking area for homeless people living in vehicles.

Expand community-based services for the homeless.

"Homeless people have the right to full acknowledgement of their human dignity and a voice in the decisions that affect them."

Tuesday December 10th, 5:30 pm
Candlelight VIGIL

At the one year anniversary of the
passage of the anti-homeless
ordinance by the Richmond City Council

We meet to stand in opposition and to denounce
this ordinance which criminalizes
the homeless for sleeping in public places
even when there is no shelter to go.

Today there are some 2,000 people in waiting lists
for an emergency shelter bed and the Richmond
lawmakers continue to make them into criminals

We mourn the pride of Richmond, which is dead.
We mourn the lack the insensitivity and the lack of reason.
We lament the callousness and the cruelty of the city council.
We lament the shame brought on our city by the ordinance.
We share the pain of the people who are homeless.

Come and stand with us for whatever time you can...
Show that you care...

BRING a CANDLE...and ..BRING a FRIEND!

This is a legal event and a permit has been secured from the Richmond Police Department.

News Advisory - For Release November 27, 2002 Contact Duane Chapman (925) 313-6182

WHAT: Blanket Drive - new, clean-used blankets, sleeping bags, comforters and quilts being collected

WHO: Contra Costa Health Services Homeless Ombudsperson is collecting the blankets, which will be distributed to people who are living on the streets
of Contra Costa.

WHERE: Drop off blankets at:
West Contra Costa Emergency Housing Program
847C Brookside Drive (cross street Rumrill)
Richmond
(510) 374-7950

For alternate drop-off locations, contact the Homeless Ombudsperson at (925) 313-6182

WHEN: Through December and during the winter

WHY: The shelters are full and there is a waiting list of people who are homeless and need a place to sleep.

Julie Freestone
Communications Officer
Contra Costa Health Services
925-313-6268; fax 925-313-6219
597 Center Avenue Suite 325
Martinez CA 94553

Visit our websites:
http://cchealth.org (tambien en español)
http://ccprevention.org
http://ccpublichealth.org