First "Know Your Rights" Class a Hit!

We had a special HHH meeting last Wednesday - with two lawyers from the public defenders office training members of the homeless community on their basic civil rights. Much of the training focused on the difference between voluntary contact and reasonable suspicion. If you are voluntary contacted by the police, you do not have to participate. In fact, the lawyers left with us helpful cards reminded us of useful phrases like, "I choose not to participate in this voluntary contact" or "I do not consent to a stop, seizure or search of my person or belongings."

The meeting was intense at points, with a lot of focus on the perceived injustices around tailgating. On weekends, the more well to do seem to drink in uptown with no repercussions, while the homeless are frequently arrested for open container charges.

Member Virgil Norris had this to say about the meeting: “It was real, real good and very informative. I really liked the card and intend to use it.”

A big thanks to Tracey Hewett and Rhonda for their time and leadership in the seminar.

If you stop by lunch at the soup kitchen, you'll see HHH members busy checking on voter registrations and encouraging folks to early voting. Everyday at lunch, a different HHH member is leading a group of homeless voters to the public library to vote early.

The process does not always go smoothly, as the requirement for homeless voters to draw a map of where they sleep at night often leads to confusion at the polls. Thanks to the helpful Board of Elections staff at the main library voting station and much patience, we have worked at a system that seems to be working well.

Special thanks go to Christy, Darley, Joey, Beth, and Rob for their leadership on this initiative. (and special thanks to Diana for documenting our first voting trip below)

Candidates Forum a Success!

On Monday, October 13th, HHH hosted a candidates forum for the County Commission at-large candidates.

Despite the disappointment of Hal Jordan and Dan Ramirez cancelling at the last minute and Harold Cogdell sending his campaign manager, those who were present tackled issues of housing and unemployment with knowledge, enthusaism, and a willingness to learn.

Jennifer Roberts brought applause with her idea of requiring the employment of homeless individuals in the redevelopment in the old Brooklyn neighborhood, while Susan Walker brought applause for stating that the County should employ individuals with a felony background. The co-moderator Angie Forde brought the most energetic response when she reminded candidates of uptown's total lack of public restrooms (save the library and government center) and arrests for public urination.

About 50 individuals attended, the vast majority homeless, though service providers and volunteers were also in attendance.

Thank you to everyone who made the event happen and a special thank you to Jennifer Roberts, Susan Walker and Dan Murrey for their attendance.

HHH Prepares for November Election

HHH is working to ensure every homeless individual has the access and knowledge needed to cast an informed ballot. If you would like to join us in turning out the homeless vote, contact Liz Clasen-Kelly at 704-926-0608.

Join us for any of our voting events:

The Voting Booth
10/6, 10 am-12pm at Urban Ministry Center
What does the ballot look like? How do I vote if I can't read? Can I vote if I have been convicted of a felony? Board of Elections employees will bring a voting machine to allow individuals to practice voting. They will review a sample ballot and also answer any questions about voter eligibility.

Candidates Forum
10/13, 6:30pm-8:00 pm at Urban Ministry Center
Meet the candidates for County Commission at-large. The candidates will address issues of homelessness and receive questions from the homeless community.

Presidential Debates
10/20 and 10/27 from 11:30am-12:30pm at Urban Ministry Center
Watch the presidential debates while eating soup and sandwiches. Segments from this year's presidential debates will be shown, followed by discussion. Come listen and share your thoughts.

Voter Registration Drives
10/30, 5 pm at "The Wall" (by the Hal Marshall Building uptown)
10/8, 10am-11:45 pm at the Urban Ministry Center
We've already registered over 200 people, but join us for these last two drives to get folks registered before the 10/10 cut-off.

Early Voting
At noon every day from October 16 until November 1st, HHH will host a "Go Vote" walk to the Uptown Public Library. Come join us! HHH members will be on hand to answer any questions and to assist the board of elections staff if they have questions about our neighbors lack of a residential address.