They tore down their shelters, took their possessions, what is left ? (They need Anonymous)

[annm4peace]

https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/11/03/18745912.php

"Even when homeless people are with their property, on the streets of Fresno, they are harassed by the police. In an incident that happened about a week ago, a group of homeless people were given “debris in road” citations. The “debris” was their blankets, food, and other items they need to survive. "


These photos show where the City of Fresno is temporarily storing property taken from homeless people during the sweeps over the last two months.


Confiscated Homeless People’s Property is stored behind this Barbed Wire Fence
by Mike Rhodes Sunday Nov 3rd, 2013 5:31 PM


The large blue tarps flap in the wind and catch your eye as you drive down south down H street, on your way to the center of downtown Fresno. Few people know that this small city of blue topped storage containers is where the City of Fresno, complying with a Federal court order, has brought the confiscated property of homeless people, as they fled the destruction of their humble shelters. Today, the police are confiscating shopping carts filled with homeless people’s property and adding those to the collection - even if the owner of the property just left their property in front of the Poverello House while they got a bite to eat.

This confiscation of homeless peoples property started about 2 months ago with the demolitions of downtown Fresno homeless encampments. It continues today as the police and city workers round up homeless people’s property and lock it away behind a barbed wire fence, guarded 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with very little chance that it will be given back to its owners.

Even when homeless people are with their property, on the streets of Fresno, they are harassed by the police. In an incident that happened about a week ago, a group of homeless people were given “debris in road” citations. The “debris” was their blankets, food, and other items they need to survive.

There is little chance that homeless people who lost all of their belongings in these raids by the police and city workers will be able to re-claim their property, because there is no place in the city that is currently safe for them to keep it. Nobody can carry everything they need to survive with them all day/every day. Therefore, the “technical” compliance with the Federal court order is simply a cover for the city’s ongoing policy of taking and destroying homeless peoples property, endangering their health, and decreasing their overall quality of life.

For information about what homeless advocates are doing to respond to this crisis, see: http://www.helpfresnoshomeless.org/

What the Nazis did to the Jews, Gypsies, and Gays was to first demonize them. Their propaganda machine identified them as criminals (and deviants), they were blamed for the problems in society, and soon the state was confiscating their property. The Nazis then herded up these despised outcasts and put them in camps, far from view. Phase 1 and 2 of this plan has already played out here in Fresno - many people hate the homeless, view them as criminals, and are fine with the city taking their property. The next phase of this diabolical plan is already gaining traction among the ruling elite. The idea of moving homeless people into one large camp, away from any houses or businesses was floated in a Fresno Bee editorial on October 23. They wrote:

“We recognize the city's stressed finances. But skilled leadership can move mountains at bargain rates. The mayor should assemble a team of city staff, homeless advocates and community leaders to set up a temporary emergency camp.

The camp should have rules, toilets, wash areas and security. It must be fenced and located in an area without adjacent businesses and homes. Most of all, it should be temporary.”

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/10/23/3568717/editorial-illegal-camps-are-cleared.html#storylink=cpy

I have always been fascinated by how the people of Germany could have gone down the road that led to the death camps. Are we headed down a similar path? Well, there is a pattern that has been set into motion and we are heading in that direction. Will things play out exactly like they did in Nazi Germany? Probably not, but the pattern so far is pretty strikingly similar. In the end it will depend on what the people of Fresno do in response to this crisis (just like in Germany - the people could have demanded a different outcome). All I can do is report on what is going on and encourage people to stand up for their brothers and sisters whose civil and constitutional rights are being abused.

[Live and Learn]

1. It doesn't matter how little you have, they don't want

you to have anything.

[annm4peace]

3. they (the City of Fresno) just wants the Homeless to die

they are dying on the sidewalk. and the City doesn't care. The City even took apart the humble memorial of bricks that had the names of the homeless who had died, that were lined up with a cross.

Mike has been reporting on the abuse for the past 10 years.. Each article is heart breaking... yet they continue.


Articles on the Homelessness Issue in Fresno
(in chronological order)
updated September 9, 2013

City of Fresno Criminalizes Poverty
Monday Sep 23rd, 2002
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2002/09/23/1510061.php

The City of Fresno Moves to Evict Homeless from Tent City
Saturday Jan 31st, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/01/31/16692241.php

Down and Out in Fresno
Wednesday Feb 4th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/04/16695221.php

Homeless sweep in Fresno
Wednesday Feb 4th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/04/16695471.php

The H Street Encampment
Thursday Feb 5th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/05/16695921.php

Homeless attacks in Fresno Continue
Monday Feb 16th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/16/16705551.php

Don’t Get Drunk in Fresno!
A new proposal in Fresno calls for an outdoor drunk tank operated by an evangelical
Christian group Monday Feb 16th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/16/16705741.php

Fresno’s Tent City–The Mission’s View
Wednesday Feb 18th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/18/16707531.php

Why were the Homeless Attacked in Fresno?
Monday Mar 29th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/03/29/16755851.php

Concentration Camp for the Homeless
Thursday May 6th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/05/06/16798251.php

Outdoor Drunk Tank Established to Humiliate the Homeless
Tuesday May 18th, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/05/18/16813951.php

An Update on the Outdoor Drunk Tank in Fresno
Saturday Jul 3rd, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/07/03/16877821.php

Fresno Homeless Moved into Tool Sheds
Monday Nov 22nd, 2004
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/11/22/17067361.php

Government Agencies Destroy Tent City
Friday May 12th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/05/12/18228251.php

Fresno Homeless Under Attack
Thursday May 25th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/05/25/18253011.php

Homeless Alert!
Wednesday Jun 21st, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/06/21/18281739.php

Fresno Homeless Attacked and Insulted by City Workers
Thursday Jun 22nd, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/06/22/18281976.php

Fresno Police Department Raid Homeless Encampment (Again)
Saturday Jul 1st, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/01/18284552.php

National Action Network Helps the Homeless
Saturday Aug 5th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/08/05/18294991.php

Bulldozers, Barbed Wire, and Harassment for Fresno’s Homeless
Saturday Aug 26th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/08/26/18301032.php

The Crime of Pushing a Shopping Cart
Tuesday Sep 19th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/19/18312750.php

Shopping Cart Roundup
Wednesday Oct 11th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/11/18319764.php

Civil Rights Groups File Suit Against City of Fresno to Stop Raids Against
Homeless People
Tuesday Oct 17th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/17/18321050.php

Support Actions for the Homeless in Fresno
Tuesday Oct 17th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/17/18321123.php

A Victory for the Homeless in Fresno
Thursday Oct 19th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/19/18321616.php

Fresno Homeless Camp out at City Hall
Sunday Oct 22nd, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/22/18322289.php

Homeless Group Told to Leave Public Land
Monday Oct 23rd, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/23/18322747.php

Homeless Women Speak Out
Wednesday Oct 25th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/25/18323305.php

Jay and Geno are Homeless in Fresno
Thursday Oct 26th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/26/18323549.php

Attacks on the Homeless Continue in Fresno
Sunday Nov 5th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/05/18326764.php

More Homeless Women Speak Out in Fresno
Monday Nov 6th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/06/18326976.php

Homeless Stand Up for Their Rights in Court
Wednesday Nov 8th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/08/18328081.php

Homeless People told to Move On
Thursday Nov 9th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/09/18328362.php

We are all in this Together
Friday Nov 10th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/10/18328729.php

Homeless Case Heard in Fresno Federal Court
Saturday Nov 18th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/18/18330868.php

Preliminary Injunction Issued in Fresno
Wednesday Nov 22nd, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/22/18332263.php

Transcript of hearing in Federal Court:

Part 1 (11-16-06)
Part 2 (11-17-06)
Part 3 (11-22-06)

City of Fresno Ordered to Uphold the U.S. Constitution
Thursday Nov 23rd, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/11/23/18332519.php

Homeless People in Fresno Win a Victory – Face New Challenges
Friday Dec 15th, 2006
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/12/15/18337877.php

Homeless in Fresno Ordered off “The Island”
Tuesday Jan 2nd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/01/02/18343438.php

Don’t the Fresno Police have Something Better to Do?
Saturday Jan 6th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/01/06/18344567.php

The King of G Street
Saturday Jan 6th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/01/06/18344591.php

The Mayor, the Broadcast and the Truth
Thursday Feb 8th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/08/18359646.php

City of Fresno Cleans up Homeless Encampment
Sunday Feb 18th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/18/18365205.php

Poor People Gonna Rise Up!
Friday Feb 23rd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/23/18367634.php

Portable Toilets for Fresno Homeless?
Tuesday Feb 27th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/27/18369678.php

Homelessness Marathon in Fresno Audio of event Chapter One
Friday Mar 2nd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/02/18371399.php

Fresno Homeless Win Another Round in Court
Monday Mar 12th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/12/18376067.php

Notice of Trespass and Clean-Up
Thursday Mar 29th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/03/29/18385669.php

Fresno Homeless Evicted
Thursday Apr 5th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/05/18389735.php

Mayor Alan Autry Undermines the Homeless
Tuesday Apr 10th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/10/18394028.php

Fresno Takes a Step Forward
Tuesday Apr 17th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/17/18400746.php

With Friends Like These . . .
Friday Apr 20th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/20/18402635.php

City of Fresno Continues to Destroy Homeless Peoples Property
Monday Apr 30, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/04/30/18407085.php

The City of Fresno Votes to Install Portable Toilets for the Homeless
Tuesday May 15, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/05/15/18416812.php

Portable Toilets, a Dumpster, and 24 Hour Security
Thursday May 17, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/05/17/18417798.php

New Homeless Evictions in Fresno
Monday Jun 4th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/04/18424762.php

The Hammer Comes Down
Tuesday Jun 12th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/12/18427051.php

Will the local media hold Alan Autry Accountable?
Wednesday Jun 13th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/13/18427207.php

City of Fresno Wants to make Camping a Crime
Monday Jun 18th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/18/18428393.php

Will Fresno’s Homeless People be put into a Concentration Camp?
Wednesday Jun 20th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/20/18428838.php

Street Heat on KFCF 88.1 FM in Fresno
Friday Jun 22nd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/06/22/18429489.php

City of Fresno Evicts Homeless
Monday Jul 2nd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/07/02/18432723.php

Homeless Evictions Heat up in Fresno
Thursday Jul 5th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/07/05/18433389.php

Homeless Woman Arrested at McDonald’s
Sunday Jul 8th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/07/08/18433984.php

Mayor Autry, Stop Hurting the Homeless
Friday Jul 13th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/07/13/18435268.php

Arrest Sparks Protest at McDonald’s
Sunday Jul 15th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/07/15/18435604.php

What Happened to Pamela Kincaid?
Wednesday Aug 8th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/08/18439524.php

Justice for Pamela Kincaid
Saturday Aug 18th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/18/18441458.php

I Guess Sherri Just Can’t Stay Out of Trouble
Tuesday Aug 21st, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/21/18442068.php

We Say Good Bye to Pam
Monday Aug 27th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/27/18444050.php

The Railroad Joins in a Tag Team Attack on Fresno’s Homeless
Tuesday Sep 18th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/09/18/18448306.php

KFCF 88.1 FM Radio Show about the Homeless in Fresno
Friday Sep 28th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/09/28/18450398.php

More Tool Sheds for the Homeless Approved by the Fresno City Council
Tuesday Oct 2nd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/10/02/18451441.php

The City of Fresno’s New Plan to Eliminate the Homeless
Saturday Oct 20th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/10/20/18454889.php

Like a Grinch, City of Fresno Takes Homeless Peoples Property
Friday Oct 26th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/10/26/18456235.php

Fresno Underground
Sunday Nov 11th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/11/11/18460272.php

Is Mayor Autry Above the Law?
Saturday Nov 17th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/11/17/18461880.php

Homeless Encampment Targeted by the City of Fresno
Friday Nov 23rd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/11/23/18463146.php

City of Fresno Cleans-up the G Street Homeless Encampment
Friday Nov 30th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/11/30/18464583.php

America Doesn’t Welcome Everyone Home For the Holidays
Monday Dec 10th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/10/18466058.php

Homelessness Policy in Fresno – A Kinder and Gentler Plan?
Thursday Dec 13th, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/13/18466826.php

Lives of Fresno’s Homeless Honored
Sunday Dec 23rd, 2007
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/23/18468637.php

Is There Equal Justice Under the Law?
Wednesday Jan 2nd, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/01/02/18469753.php

Carissa Phelps Seeks Justice
Tuesday Feb 12th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/02/12/18478719.php

Calhoun Targets the Homeless
Friday Mar 21st, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/03/21/18487784.php

Vigilantes, Poverty Pimps, and Bulldozers
Thursday Mar 27th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/03/27/18489029.php

KFCF 88.1 FM Show on Homeless Issues in Fresno
Saturday Mar 29th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/03/29/18489341.php

Mayor Admits City’s Homeless Plan is a Failure
Tuesday Apr 15th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/04/15/18493038.php

Homeless Improve Their Lot
Friday May 2nd, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/05/02/18496330.php

Federal Judge Rules City of Fresno Violated the Rights of Homeless Residents
Tuesday May 13th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/05/13/18498973.php

Fresno Homeless Residents Win Settlement Over City’s Destruction of Personal Property
Friday Jun 6th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/06/06/18504842.php

Autry’s Day in Court
Tuesday Jun 10th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/06/10/18505754.php

Heavy on the Sticks and Short on the Carrots
Thursday Jun 19th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/06/19/18508993.php

Lawsuit Filed Against The Rescue Mission
Tuesday Jul 1st, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/01/18512571.php

Fresno’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness Approved
Tuesday Sep 9th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/09/09/18534640.php

City of Fresno Evicts the Homeless
Friday Sep 26th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/09/26/18541448.php

New Recycling Laws will Impact the Homeless
Sunday Oct 19th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/10/19/18545467.php

March in Fresno Supports the Homeless
Sunday Oct 19th, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/10/19/18545488.php

The Madera Homeless Tell Their Story
Tuesday Dec 23rd, 2008
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/12/23/18556161.php

Homeless in Fresno Face Eviction
Sunday Jan 4th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/04/18558529.php

Fresno Elected Officials Pledge to End Homelessness
Wednesday Jan 14th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/14/18563176.php

Interview with Fresno’s New Homelessness Czar
Wednesday Jan 21st, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/21/18565083.php

Unequal Justice – The Tragic Case of Pam Kincaid
Tuesday Jan 27th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/27/18566285.php

Homeless Man Beaten by Fresno Police Officers
Tuesday Feb 10th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/10/18569420.php

Fresno Mayor Calls for an Independent Police Auditor
Thursday Feb 12th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/12/18569804.php

Community Groups Respond to Police Beating of Homeless Man
Friday Feb 13th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/13/18570224.php

Why Does McDonald’s Hate the Homeless?
Sunday Feb 15th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/15/18571176.php

Fresno City Council Members Hold Press Conference About Police Incidents
Wednesday Feb 18th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/18/18571827.php

Stop Preventable Foreclosures
Friday Mar 6th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/03/06/18575405.php

Union Pacific Railroad Fences in Homeless Encampment
Wednesday Mar 11th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/03/11/18576324.php

Hazmat Emergency Response Unit Arrives at Fresno Homeless Encampment
Tuesday Apr 7th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/04/07/18586766.php

Storyland Motel Residents Evicted in Fresno
Thursday Apr 9th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/04/09/18587279.php

Fresno Homeless Czar Speaks Out
Tuesday Apr 28th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/04/28/18591716.php

Homeless Clean-up their Encampment with the help from the National Network
in Action
Saturday May 9th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/05/09/18593938.php

Homeless Advocate = Terrorist Threat?
Saturday May 9th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/05/09/18593947.php

Will the Victim of Fresno Police Beating be sent to Gulag?
Sunday May 24th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/05/24/18597736.php

Punishing the Victim
Wednesday Jun 10th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/10/18601228.php

Fresno Police Break Homeless Man’s Wrist
Friday Jun 12th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/12/18601507.php

Punishing the Victim – the Continuing Saga
Friday Jul 3rd, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/07/03/18605566.php

Rescue Me
Saturday Jul 11th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/07/11/18607151.php

Appeased Fresno?
Saturday Dec 5th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/05/18631453.php

Criminalizing Poverty
Sunday Dec 13th, 2009
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/13/18632451.php

Speaking Up for the Homeless
January 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=77

Housing is a Human Right
January 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=82

Down, on the corner
Wednesday Jan 6th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/06/18634497.php

Homeless Victory in Fresno
Wednesday Jan 6th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/06/18634551.php

Fresno Homeless Fight for Justice
Tuesday Jan 26th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/26/18636326.php

Fresno Homeless Fight for Justice Part 2
Wednesday Jan 27th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/27/18636397.php

Police Evict the Homeless in Fresno
Thursday Jan 28th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/28/18636453.php

Clean Sweep
Friday Jan 29th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/29/18636521.php

When Shoestrings Become Untied
February 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=375

Outrage of the Month
February 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=364

Not Even a Manger for Fresno’s Homeless
February 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=357

One City Distraction After Another
February 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=360

It’s All Just an Illusion
February 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=344

War on the Poor. . . Continues in Fresno
Friday Feb 5th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/02/05/18637084.php

A Walk Through Fresno’s Downtown Homeless Encampments
Sunday Mar 7th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/03/07/18640185.php

Art Dyson talks about Eco-Villages
Saturday May 29th, 2010
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/05/29/18649168.php

“The Gathering” Statewide Homeless Memorial Event
June 1, 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1248

Special Section in the Community Alliance newspaper – How to End Homelessness in Fresno
Articles include: Food Not Bombs 14 Years Strong, Why Fresno First Steps Home?, Squatting Is the Answer, Eco-Villages Can House the Homeless: An Interview with Art Dyson, We Need a Movement to End Homelessness
July 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1488

Homeless Queer Kids-They Are Here
July 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1455

Fresno’s Homeless People Chatter
August 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1600

“Losing a Family Member”
September 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1822

Information Is Power
September 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=1818

A War Veteran and Homeless
November 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2074

Fresno Human Rights Violation
December 2010
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2165

Human Rights Day at City Hall
January 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2309

Homeless No More
January 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2304

Church Sanctuary versus NIMBY
January 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2293

Progressive News Briefs (3 articles)
Fresno Police Officers Beat Homeless Man
City Attorney Says Fresno Doesn’t Have Enough Money to Harass the Homeless
Good News for the Homeless
January 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2278

Merced Homeless Couple Declared Heroes—Given $5 Reward
February 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2485

Fresno Homeless Czar Harasses the Homeless
February 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2464

Surviving the Village: An Organizer’s Tale
March 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2614

From the Editor
April 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2720

Fresno First Steps Home
April 13, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/04/13/18677085.php

Abolishing Homelessness in Merced: Lessons from 10-Year Plans in Other Cities
May 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2899

Fresno First Steps Home/Progressive News Briefs
May 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=2852

Fragility of the American Dream
June 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3069

Crossroads with Carla
June 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3066

Lack of Transparency Hurts the Homeless/Progressive News Briefs
June 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3033

Homeless Evicted With No Place To Go
July 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3237

Festive Celebration at Roeding Park
July 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3298

Whispers from the Streets
July 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3253

Community Alliance Helps to Provide Basic Public Services to the Homeless
October 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3608

Homeless in Cuba? Not Likely
October 2011
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3477

Massive Homeless Eviction to take place in Fresno
October 22, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/22/18694453.php

Stop the Evictions!
October 26, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/26/18695320.php

War Against the Poor (part 1)
Thursday October 27, 2011http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/27/18695578.php

War Against the Poor (part 2)
Thursday October 27, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/27/18695595.php

The Destruction Continues – At the Homeless Encampments in Downtown Fresno
November 1, 2011http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/01/18696544.php

G Street Destruction
November 2, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/02/18696797.php

Rampage on G Street
November 2, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/02/18696844.php

Thursday Morning Evictions
November 3, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/03/18697051.php

Escape From the Hill
November 7, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/07/18698136.php

Demolition Derby in Fresno
November 8, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/08/18698297.php

Fresno – Punishing the Most Vulnerable
November 13, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/11/13/18699279.php

City of Fresno sends Holiday Greetings to the Homeless
Friday December 9, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/09/18702227.php

Fresno Homeless ALERT
Monday December 12, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/12/18702585.php

Tough Love in Fresno
Thursday December 15, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/15/18702836.php

Faith Groups Speak Out About the Homeless Issue
Wednesday December 21, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/21/18703199.php

Progressive Community and Homeless Sing Holiday Songs
Saturday December 24, 2011
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/24/18703354.php

Punishing Fresno’s Most Vulnerable
January 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=3892

From the Editor
January 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4066

City of Fresno Sends Holiday Greetings to the Homeless
January 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4061

Who Killed Big Sue?
February 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4259

No Fooling,National Day of Action for the Right to Exist: April 1
April 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4484

No Fooling – April 1 Action in Fresno
April 3, 2012
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/04/03/18710664.php

Lawsuits Filed in Response to the City of Fresno’s Treatment of the Homeless
April 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4647

The Time to Organize is Now
April 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4727

The Coalition with the Homeless and Other Advocates
April 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4736

Federal Agencies Join Advocates in Condemning Criminalization of Homelessness
May 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=4887

More Homeless Evictions Expected
July 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=5651
and
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/07/01/18716711.php

Statewide Homeless Memorial Event
July 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=5601

The Community Alliance Is Helping the Homeless
July 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=5568

Homeless Action in Fresno
July 2012
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/06/10/18715144.php
and
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=5565

More Homeless Dislocated by the City of Fresno
August 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=5875

Scorched Earth Policy
September 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=6581

Richard, Dolores and Thanksgiving
November 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=6957

From the Editor
December 2012
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=7140

The Community Alliance Helps the Homeless
January 2013
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=7243

Fresno has no Heart – Will Evict the Homeless on Valentines Day
Feb 11th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/02/11/18731822.php

Burning the Homeless out
Feb 17th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/02/17/18732246.php

Volunteers in Fresno Unite to help the Homeless
Mar 14th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/03/14/18733602.php

Homeless Encampment Eviction Takes Place near West and Ashlan in Fresno
Jul 17th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/07/17/18739952.php

Homeless Encampments Targeted (Again)
Tuesday Jul 30th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/07/30/18740629.php

Found: A homeless encampment that the City of Fresno does not intend to destroy
Friday Aug 2nd, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/02/18740839.php

Walking Through Fresno’s Homeless Encampments
Friday Aug 2nd, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/02/18740840.php

Who is burning down the Fresno Homeless Encampments?
Monday Aug 12th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/12/18741445.php

Fresno Homeless Advocates Hold Press Conference
Monday Aug 26th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/26/18742115.php

Homeless Encampments Destroyed
Tuesday Aug 27th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/27/18742188.php

The City of Fresno Declares War on the Poor
September 2013
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=8294

From the Editor
September 2013
http://fresnoalliance.com/wordpress/?p=8290

Dispatch from the War Zone – Week Two
Tuesday Sep 3rd, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/09/03/18742623.php

The City of Fresno Destroyed the Only Shelter these Homeless People had
Monday Sep 9th, 2013
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/09/09/18742970.php

[hatrack]

18. Fuck, remind me never to visit Fresno!

[In_The_Wind]

20. +1

[lunasun]

30. why would you?? it is a puke fest town even without this incident

[markpkessinger]

25. Pure fucking evil n/t

[Dragonfli]

2. Are Fresno residents really this sociopathic? What he fuck

The citizens are either turning a blind eye to this monumental cruelty or are actively seeking it if their elected officials are allowed to commit these atrocities in open view of, and for the sake of the voters they represent.

I mean what the fuck, seriously, I do not think I could ever smile at and shake the hand of anyone from this sociopathic town ever again, I would feel compelled to chastise and then shun such people.

[annm4peace]

4. Most don't know

the Fresno Bee doesn't report the truth, nor do the local News Stations.

The big box born again Churches blame the homeless and poor for being sinful.. that is why they are poor.


Mike reports the abuse in the progressive paper Fresno Community Alliance but the majority of Fresno citizens don't even know of that paper.

That is why it will take outside forces to make a change.

[delrem]

10. Most do know, but have decided at some time in their life to ignore it.

Compartmentalize it in some convenient fashion and henceforth not give a flying fuck. Tho' they wouldn't word it like that.

[markpkessinger]

26. Nobody bought that lie when Germans used it after WWII ....

... and I'm not buying it now.

[reddread]

14. No, they arent. But the Republican mayor and her supporters interests are

There is such a shortsighted attempt here to attribute responsibility to bystanders.
The relevant factors are out of town and local development/real estate investors.
It may well be that the downtown was used as a dumping ground and concentration camp
for homeless who were told by police that they needed to stay south of Ventura, near the
Poverello house, where a long series of camps have developed and been torn down over the last many
years. The Fulton Mall has long been a focus of concern, and now the Mayor has forced the reopening
of vehicle traffic into a historic pedestrian mall.
Something few locals see as beneficial or desirable.
Those out of town investors who bought large buildings on the mall must see the benefit in vehicle access
to their fire sale bargains, and now there are no more homeless camps permitted anywhere, especially near
these realty properties.
People regularly freeze to death outdoors on the mall and near that area.
The city failed to open their "Warming Centers" for a few years while other communities throughout the state
did so, until a few unreported deaths took place.
There is a ton of filthy corruption and sick disregard for the poor, fed by the sorts of conservative rhetoric you
can hear passed around this message board as conventional wisdom.
Placing the blame on the struggling residents of Fresno is about as ridiculous as it gets.
A very little research will quickly reveal there are dozens and dozens of very involved and dedicated people
confronting the problem and trying to implement solutions.
Fresno has a vital progressive activist community, and its a damn shame people cant see the good works
and people there past their bigoted short sighted prescription lenses.

[annm4peace]

24. there are many good people in Fresno

if you happen to read through the articles there are always small groups of people trying to stop the abuse, trying to give them shelter and food. sending out requests to get toliet paper and firewood. But the City of Fresno and the powers that be are a lot to go up against.

The new website that was up last year helps. It was before all the homeless camps were destroyed.

http://www.helpfresnoshomeless.org/index.php/thursday-group

Our small group of people, mostly from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno has been working directly with the homeless for over a year. We go down every Thursday to deliver toilet paper, water and other items as needed or available. We have recently taken on some new elements in this outreach.

Working with Mike Rhodes and the Community Alliance we are beginning to place dumpsters in the homeless encampments. Enough money has been raised from small donations to initially cover this expense. One dumpster was placed recently at H street and San Benito. In an effort to directly involve the people living on the street, we are providing encouragement, along with work gloves, large trash bags and as many rakes, shovels and brooms as we can find..

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. los angeles made it illegal for cops to grab the stuff of homeless people

[Rebellious Republican]

6. Happened in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2007....

[annm4peace]

7. Shameful

that was in 2007.. I wonder what is happening now.

[SheilaT]

8. I can't begin to imagine being homeless.

I've been relatively poor at various points in my life, but never homeless, and never near homelessness.

I volunteer at a local homeless shelter, fixing meals. I love doing it, in part because I do love to cook. I fix what I would serve to guests in my own home. I don't know if our clients are so appreciative of my cooking because I'm a reasonably good cook or simply because they are so hungry.

Which is what I have mostly noticed in my dealings with the homeless. They are very hungry. I know, it's a "D'oh!" moment, but I'm still struck by it. For me, even when I'm low on food, even when my budget is tight, I don't really ever go hungry. I NEVER have to wonder where my next meal is coming from.

I am no expert, and I know there are varying types and kinds of homelessness, but there need to be safe places for people to eat and sleep regardless of their circumstances.

It truly is, "There but for the grace of God, go I."

[gopiscrap]

9. fucking god damn cops

[elias7]

12. Blaming the cops = blaming the homeless

Up thread, someone pointed out that people mistakenly blame the homeless for society's ills. Of course that is misplaced, as the homeless are a symptom of society's ills.

But blaming cops for a policy decision made much above their pay grade is much the same thought process. Cops enforce the will of civic leaders, who are the true villains here. Only you don't see them.

[Fumesucker]

13. Yep, the cops are just following orders

Hmm.. I think I may have heard that phrase somewhere before...

[reddread]

16. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggghhht.

I dont suppose you would care to admit that you are wrong?

[bemildred]

17. Nobody makes them be cops. And nobody makes them do this either.

Are you saying they are moral cowards?

[markpkessinger]

28. Uh, no . . .

. . .When you hire sick, twisted sadists as cops, you get sick, twisted, sadistic policing.

[ReRe]

11. This is an example of....

... the psychopathic evil that infects this American society. You wouild expcet there to be no churches in Fresno, yet I'm sure there is one on each corner.

[annm4peace]

38. some of the born again, fundmentalist churches are the problem

the same type of churches that Mike Huckabee, Michele Bachman, most "christian" rightwingers belong to.

The racist hate churches is what they should be called.

[ReRe]

40. I was raised in one of those churches...

... and I knew there was something wrong with that religion from a very young age. It's the hate and hypocrisy that got to me. However, I went to allot of that "Bible School" in the summertime. I'd go around to every church in the town during the summer, mostly because it was something to do and the fact that I missed being in school. My church tried to teach us that all other religion's were going straight to Hell. Ha! I knew that was a bold-face lie!

Hate and intolerance, wherever taught, is Evil!

[newfie11]

15. This is the underlying problem with this country

It's the I got mine attitude and if your poor it's all you fault. Must be lazy or stupid.

We don't need no socialist ideals ya know!

Sorry, I am fed up with rich, church going, I'm better than you repug snobs.

[rudolph the red]

19. Just shameful

[reddread]

22. to grasp how shameful it really is

the leaders in city government have achieved the following things downtown and around Fresno-
Built a baseball stadium that the purported tenants cannot pay rent for.
A big hole in the ground and the budget, with more than enough space and facilities to service the homeless population.
Liquidated the Metropolitan Museum after guaranteeing 15 MILLION DOLLARS in construction cost overruns
because the architects, designers and supervising board members were either just that stupid, corrupt
or ignorant of the extensive building modifications required by an ambitious cosmetic redesign of an older building in historic downtown.
Selling off the art collection to recover a fraction of the costs, a move that was in violation of ethical and custodial standards.
Backing lowbrow phony amusement park themed commercial restaurant developments that failed spectacularly, briefly involving Sammy Hagar, much to his chagrin and hasty departure in a quickly aborted franchise that the previous mayor Autry wanted built one of the two large parks in the city, turning it into a commercial giveaway space.
That abandoned mess of large restaurant spaces and fully enclosed small scale baseball arena would also safely service upwards of half the homeless now wandering the streets of Fresno because every long term encampment in town has been cleared out with bulldozers,
no longer even a pretense being made of supplying short term or long term housing for the displaced people who have had their belongings stored, shopping carts seized and lifelines disrupted since
YOU CANT FIND THEM TO HELP THEM!
thats how shameful it is.
Feel free to spread the word how one Mayor in Fresno can open a church with her husband, and treat the least of her
town's citizens like dirt.

[annm4peace]

23. thank you Reddread for your incredible insight

Vast majority of people in Fresno really don't know what is going on to the Homeless. Many are just trying to save themselves from falling into homelessness. they are trying to hold on to their jobs, their kids, their homes.
That is why it will take outside help. but really.. why isn't the so called Liberal Governor of CA not sending in the liberal Attorney General to stop the human right abuses and investigate the Mayor and City officials ?

The very hard working advocates and progressives need outside help. They post articles, send emails and calls to the State and Fed officials yet little is done.

Incredible about the last line.. the Mayor opened a church? what is it's name? maybe there can be some protests in front of her "church". Maybe we can make up a fact sheet to hand to her parishioners. but that isn't really going to help the Homeless.. that will take State or Fed help. or in my dreams.. Anonymous

[reddread]

34. Thank YOU AnnM! Such tireless efforts on behalf of these injured parties

You amaze me.
I know I would be a different person if I had not witnessed the many tragic things I have seen in the last ten years.
It is a tough line to tread, trying to drag people into being aware of what goes on, while contending with the fury
such awareness and trauma engenders in myself.
You are a formidable proponent!
Please keep up the great work and things will change for the better.
cant get much worse.

[annm4peace]

35. thanks, I wish I could convince those in high power do something to help

Please keep giving us the insight. You are in the heart of the beast.

I have told so many others who are involved in homeless or poverty groups to try and see if they could help but it hasn't yet.

I'll keep on, keep on.

I really do hope Anonymous can help.

[reddread]

37. there is hope, down the road

although it seems like the official line is hardened, sanctioned by the creatures in Sacramento and elsewhere in the two party oligarchy, things are shifting slowly towards safe and legal campsites. The logistics and social considerations sensibly mandate numerous smaller communities, which may require some sort of legal mechanism. Perhaps an economic reading of the 14th Amendment?
God help us if we have to wait for a ship of fools still sold on the middle class mythology to change course from hierarchy based self interest illusions and the endless cycle of poverty profiteering and strung out federal fund addicts in local governments.
Any real change will be bottom up and hard work.
you are doing more than your fair share up there.
take care.

[bvar22]

21. During the LBJ Administration, we had a very successful "War on Poverty".

Now, in 2013, we have a War-on-the-Poor.

[annm4peace]

27. Help the Homeless in Fresno, please sign the petition

http://www.change.org/petitions/city-of-fresno-end-homeless-camp-demolition-establish-humane-affordable-housing-policy

Let the City of Fresno know the whole world is watching.

[Divine Discontent]

31. done

it sounds like the liberals of the city need to get every single person to the polls next time and root out the foul anti-poor mentality and fascist practices of those in power.

[annm4peace]

36. thanks and the progressives are trying

There has been such a major force against the progressive for decades. The Koch type powers that be destroyed the unions, crushed the social justice... so it is battle.

But the progressive group is gaining a little tractions,, it just needs some extra help from outside areas.. If some more progressives can get in office maybe there can be change. It is why I keep posting the stories on DU because they need support and help.
and that can be just posting comments to the "indymedia.org" story of the homeless. Or calling the Mayor's office and complaining.. or even writing a letter to the Editor from an outside of Fresno address. To let them know the whole world is watching.

So thank you for signing the petition. If every DU'er who read the articles on the Homeless in Fresno signed the petition maybe it would be over 1000.

It is hard because the ones who report on the homeless and try to bring them help are the same group who are part of the Fresno Progressive PAC,, and the same ones in the Sierra Club, and the same ones in PeaceFresno.

http://www.cvppac.org/

[Starry Messenger]

29. k&r

[annm4peace]

32. Mayor Swearegin's husband's church in Fresno

Last edited Thu Nov 7, 2013, 01:51 AM - Edit history (1)

Incase you want to call or email the Mayor's husband and ask if Jesus would abuse and terrorize the homeless.


http://theriverfresno.com/leadership-staff/paul-swearengin/

http://theriverfresno.com/contact-the-river-fresno/

"Paul is the Senior Leader at The River. Paul is married to Ashley, who is the mayor of Fresno. Having served, with wife Ashley, as a lay-minister for many years, God finally completed drawing Paul into his call as Ministry Staff Leadership in 2008. Paul was ordained as a minster by the Vineyard Association of Churches in 2007 and was ordained and licensed by The River Revival Network in 2008."

I remember Paul in college. He wasn't very Christ like.. but he was part of the born again Evangelicals that was popular at Fresno state in the 80's. the Evangelicals went after the athletes and they like to be popular.. they could spout being christians and cheat on their girlfriends the next moment. It is these types of "christians" that have been running Fresno since the 90's.

***************************************
for the past 20 years, the Mayor's of Fresno have been "getting blessed" as they make the city poorer, and terrorize the homeless, the poor, the people of color, the activists who seek social justice and anti-war (remember PeaceFresno ?)

http://pacificunionrecorder.adventistfaith.org/issue/39/2/483

?1334774291
Pastor Earl Canson and local church elders pray over Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin and Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

so much for separation of church and State.

The last Mayor of Fresno had his own religious show.

[annm4peace]

39. this pictures makes me want to puke...

but it is better than we used to see of the previous Mayor.

[TheKentuckian]

33. Ain't that America