Street Stories

Weblog of Seattle minister to the homeless Rick Reynolds, Operation Nightwatch

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Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Caring for human beings seems like the best use of my time, homeless or not.

Friday, December 21, 2007

An Open Letter to City Attorney Tom Carr

Dear Mr. Carr,

Operation Nightwatch is the resource of last resort for homeless people late at night. We top off the shelter system, fill up the three shelters that we underwrite, and generally provide resources and guidance late at night to people seeking basic safe shelter.

Last night, sometime before midnight, we were forced to turn away 10 men because all the shelters were full.

Our clients who are being turned away often ask us, "Where should I go?" as we send them out the door with a blanket. In light of the recent enforcement against homeless encampments, we are unsure how to advise our clients. They desire to be law-abiding, and our staff needs to be able to steer them in the proper direction.

Please instruct us on how to advise our homeless clients after all the shelters are full.

Thank you for your work on behalf of all our citizens.

Rev. Rick Reynolds

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2 Comments:

Blogger iamkatia said...

beautiful.

i felt this more deeply than any of the millions of angry rants i've heard on the same subject.

this is how to get people to listen..
and feel.

thank you.

3:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a friend of mine said after I forwarded to her your open letter: "A stroke of genius - civil disobedience at its best: We want to be law-abiding and follow your rules... what is your advice as an attorney?" I hope you sent a hard copy to Carr.

9:51 AM  

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