True Colors United Urges Action to Ensure Safety of People Experiencing Homelessness in Communities Threatened by Political Violence
With ongoing activity surrounding the election and the recent insurrection at the US Capitol, True Colors United stands against fascism – the far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist end state sought by the coalition of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and conspiracy theorists who attacked the U.S. Capitol last week. We affirm the right to protest and the critical role of protected dissent in a democratic society. We affirm that Black Lives Matter. We remain steadfast in our commitment to racial and LGBTQ+ equity and envision a future of true public safety that includes people experiencing homelessness.
True Colors United urges state and local governments to make emergency resources available to provide safe, individual housing to anyone experiencing unsheltered homelessness. As officials prepare locally for the impact of this weekend’s and next week’s events, housing becomes evermore imperative to safeguarding human health and lives.
The threat of violence in Washington, D.C. and at state capitol buildings across the US – many of which are located in neighborhoods where people experiencing homelessness are more likely to be present – must be met with urgent action to ensure the safety of people living outdoors. It’s critical that young people experiencing homelessness be included in these efforts, as they may be in particular danger if they’re perceived as opponents by armed protesters or if mistaken for protesters by law enforcement.
We implore everyone to take actions to stay safe during the coming days. We’ve put together the following safety checklist to help you protect yourself and your loved ones:
Safety checklist:
- This is an especially frightening time for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
- Protect your emotional and mental health. Find a virtual Black therapist, doula, yoga teacher, or mediator through BEAM: https://wellness.beam.community/
- During times like this, returning to work and showing up in your relationships with non-Black coworkers and friends is emotionally taxing. Here are some tips to help protect your energy: https://hashtagprotectyourenergy.weebly.com/
- This is a scary time for LGBTQ people, too – many of whom are also people of color.
- The National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color.
- If you need to talk, the Trevor Project has some great counsellors. Give them a call anytime! They also have specific resources around coping with election-related stress: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/coping-with-intense-emotions-around-the-2020-presidential-election/
- Resources & tips for youth experiencing homelessness:
- The National Runaway Safeline serves as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth, and offers confidential and non-judgemental support.
- Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).
- Or go to 1800runaway.org.
- The National Safe Place Network can connect you to shelter and services near you.
- Find a Safe Place: nationalsafeplace.org/find-a-safe-place
- The National Runaway Safeline serves as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth, and offers confidential and non-judgemental support.
- Wellness resources for everyone:
- These are hard times for everyone. Remember to be kind to yourself and your colleagues.
- Empathy in the workplace: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UjqjEw_-yKbLZgkxhqX52Ek6zRsVaJOq/view
- If you can stay home, stay home.
- Tips on staying safe during a coup: https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Coup
- These are hard times for everyone. Remember to be kind to yourself and your colleagues.
- If you’re going out to protest, stay safe.
- Safety during protest: https://www.amnestyusa.org/pdfs/SafeyDuringProtest_F.pdf
- Public health & harm reduction while protesting (with a unique look at protest during a pandemic): https://docs.google.com/document/d/14aCsBMjlpFb7JwcF4kYo0oyFc3aXpN6jf0piDl6RtVA/edit
- Ongoing protests nationwide highlight the need for vigilance against infiltration and misinformation at protests: https://truecolorsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-6-3_Infiltration-Disinfo-Info-Sheets_M4BL-CLEAR_FINAL.pdf