We asked people who experienced "sweeps" of homeless encampments to write about it in their own words.
In Portland, Teresa Stratton told us about how her husband’s ashes were taken in a removal:
As federal authorities crack down on homeless encampments in D.C., revisit our reporting on the possessions people lose in sweeps — and how these losses can traumatize them, exacerbate health issues and undermine efforts to find housing.
Swept Away: What Cities Really Take When They Sweep Homeless Encampments
People say having their possessions — from birth certificates to loved ones’ ashes — taken in “sweeps” traumatizes them, exacerbates health issues and undermines efforts to find housing and get or…
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Taking everything from people who don't even have a roof over their heads. That's the Republican way. Evil disgusting cruelty and greed.
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“nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law” .. where did due process go hiding, or did that get dumped too?
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"Mental illness", autism, Alzheimer can b treated safely w turbinate surgery since Jan'01. Changes blood flow. I found error as anesthetist. MDs damage w meds. MDs/DC dont like my story so wont fix. Torture by MD/exBF at elite US hosp'99. Bware DC. Homeless have a story2tell. DC strategy? Provoke me
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This is so sad. Talk about kicking someone when they’re down.
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Often they lose their only sources of identification or proof for benefits. About what’s really scary right now is where the people are disappearing to.
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Homeless encampments are bad for the homeless and upsetting for everyone else. But sweepIng them away like garbage is monstrous and cannot be tolerated. Housing and services for the homeless is the only path forward.
