Defend Don't Displace

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of unhoused Twin Cities residents were living outdoors in an effort to avoid contracting the virus in shelters. Sanctuaries were established in parks, where residents lived together to lessen the risks associated with being unhoused and isolated. Without city support, neighbors fundraised and volunteered to provide sanitation, security, food and water.

After a month, Minneapolis police evicted hundreds of sanctuary residents from the largest of the sanctuaries in Powderhorn Park on the city’s Southside. Neighbors were arrested, shelters and possessions were destroyed.

I joined friends in creating a rapid response email campaign to express disapproval and urge the mayor to fund affordable housing and find sustainable solutions for all city residents. I wrote text that automatically populated an email template that was shared throughout the city.