CCJRC Board Statement
on Denver’s Camping Ban
4-16-12
Because the mission of CCJRC is to eliminate mass
incarceration and the proposed “camping ban” ordinance for the City and County
of Denver would make it illegal, and impose
fines and/or jail time, for sleeping outside on public or private property
anywhere in the city, resulting in the distinct possibility that many dozens or
hundreds of otherwise innocent homeless men and women will end up in the Denver
jail; and
Because the City of
Denver does not have adequate emergency shelter, long-term housing or permanent
supportive housing or the many services needed for the homeless such as mental
health and health services or substance abuse treatment and creating an
urban camping ban would criminalize survival activities for persons
experiencing homelessness; and
Responding to these needs with arrests, jail time and fines
will increase mass incarceration in Denver, decrease resources and
opportunities for truly solving these issues, and penalize otherwise harmless
men and women,
The CCJRC Board of Directors opposes the proposed “camping
ban” and urges Denver Mayor Hancock and Denver City Council to reject this
ordinance, re-assess the issues and possible solutions to the challenge of
homelessness in Denver, and include the community in addressing this crisis
effectively and compassionately.
Passed unanimously by the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform
Coalition Board of Directors
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