Sleeping Isn’t Criminal, January 21, 2010

By Terri Sternberg

 

Boulder police frequently target the homeless population for illegal "camping." Many housed people ask "Why don't they use the shelter?" There are 160 beds available for a population of 500, operating from mid-October to April, with a maximum stay of 90 nights. Hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. eliminate anyone working a night or swing shift.

 

While women are routinely granted entrance, men are subjected to a "lottery" and are often turned away. "Warming centers" provided by BOHO (Boulder Outreach Homeless Overflow), receive no city or county funding and are already approaching their fifty-night operating limit while many folks approach their 90-night limit at the shelter.

 

As housing and economic crises worsen, City of Boulder Ordinance 5-6-10 is being zealously enforced by Boulder police, who issue $100 "camping" tickets to people who are largely indigent, frequently with physical or mental health issues. Warrants for arrest follow failure to pay, with subsequent jail time, costing the taxpayers $70 per night. In 2008, 450 tickets were issued; only 40 were paid.

When a warming center is not open, people must still sleep. Ordinance 5-6-10 defines camping as conducting daily activities such as eating or sleeping, with shelter, between sunset and one hour after sunrise. "Shelter" has been as loosely interpreted as sleeping underneath a tree.

 

To function, any normal person must eat and sleep. These "daily activities" are being criminalized, as is homelessness itself. Homeless Ordinance Moratorium Endeavor (HOME) is asking Boulder City Council to place a moratorium on camping tickets until reasonable solutions can be found.

 

Ordinance 5-6-10 states that camping is allowed with a permit from the City Manager, but upon going to the office, we found that no application form or process exists. HOME is currently writing a request for a permit process and developing a form.

 

On Tuesday, January 19, 2010, HOME will conduct a peaceful demonstration in front of the Boulder Municipal Building (SW corner of Broadway and Canyon) from 4-6:00 p.m., before the next City Council meeting. For those wishing to speak for three minutes at the Council meeting, sign-up is at 5:00 p.m. We invite all citizens to join us, and help reach a solution that is fair for all concerned.

 

Terri Sternberg is a former16-year homeowner in Boulder County who is now homeless.

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