TIME TO TAKE ACTION
But first an update.....
There has been an outpouring of community support for the men at Franklin Shelter, many of whom will end up living in the streets as the temperature drops, thanks to Mayor Adrian Fenty and whatever developer he has waiting in the wings for the Franklin School building. We are grateful for all of the support.
As it turns out, the DC Council passed a law on the 16th of this month that was designed to impede the mayor's ability to close the homeless shelter. Nonetheless, the mayor is still moving ahead with his plans. We are uncertain as to what, if anything, the Council plans to do to make Fenty heed their law.
Due to the fact that Fenty has 10 working days to sign or veto the law, we may not know his planned course of action until the 30th of this month. The logical assumption is that he might just let his 2 weeks run down, as DHS continues to move the men to other shelters, the streets and a few into housing. By the time the 30th rolls around, the shelter will have been emptied, illegally for the most part. This is definitely a human rights issue.
Some Franklin residents and various supporters have begun to make plans whereby to confront the mayor/dictator about this gross injustice.....
1 -- On Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:30 PM we will meet in Franklin Park at 13th and K streets, NW a candlelight vigil. All concerned people are welcome.
2 -- On Wednesday, September 24th, there will be a sleep-out in Franklin Park. We encourage all concerned people to take a night to sleep outdoors in the park, under the stars and to get a feel for what your homeless neighbors go through.
We hope to see you there.
.
Eric Jonathan Sheptock
925 13th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20005-4005
