Advocates Camp Outside To Protest Treatment Of Homeless
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Men and women are sleeping beneath the stars to send a message to city leaders who they say mistreat the homeless.
Workers with the Arkansas Homeless Network protested and then slept on a lot at 16th & Scott where homeless were recently forced to vacate.
"The answer is not to sweep them away," said Malta Willits, with the Arkansas Homeless Network. "The answer is to find someplace for these people to go and be safe."
In April, city leaders halted plans to clean up 27 homeless camps, choosing instead to work with advocates to create short and long-term solutions. Meetings are still ongoing, according to Housing Director Andre Bernard.
"The city has not actively engaged in clearing away any sites whatsoever," he said. We`re committed to working with agencies and we`ve done that."
About 3,000 people are homeless in Pulaski County. Little Rock has allocated $70,000 in the 2005 budget for homeless issues.
