“It’s going to take all of us homeless to make a stand”

Latest

pt.2015.11.06_merced
Gena Mercer (left), who is homeless, with Gloria Sandoval at Applegate Park in Merced, California. Although money is spent by local government, homelessness is increasing (and this is true everywhere).
PHOTO/SALVADOR SANDOVAL

 
MERCED, CA — When does a homeless person become unhuman? When the community treats them like they’re less than nothing, has them run off everywhere they sit, and turns their backs on them.
I don’t choose to live this way. Most of the homeless don’t want to be homeless. Not only do we get harassed by people, the Merced Police Department is doing the same. Only thing is that they have the power to put us in jail.
I got a ticket for camping under the G Street Bridge and received five hours of community service. They wanted to give me three years of informal probation. I couldn’t believe it—there was a woman charged with her third DUI and the judge gives her three years of informal probation along with DUI classes. I didn’t go drive a car while drunk; I don’t put other people’s lives in danger. I just needed to sleep.
Every place I sleep, sooner or later, the cops will run me out. I have to move quite often. I find a spot, put my bedding out and go to sleep. I try to be up before sunrise, pack my stuff, clean up any trash I might have dropped.
I go out and pick up cans and plastic bottles to make money. I mow lawns when someone asks. I hold a sign that says “Homeless, God Bless.” I’ve had people pull over and yell “get a job”—believe me I would love to be working, earning my way and being a productive member of society. I can read lips and can make out some of the things that people say when they are behind the wheel in their car. One lady with a young girl in the car stopped at the stop sign. I saw her throw her arm over the girl’s chest, like some people do when they have to stop suddenly and tells her daughter not to look at me. The poor girl stiffens up and eyes locked forward like looking at me was going to turn her into a homeless!
The police run us out of everywhere so I asked where can we go? “You can only go to Applegate Park, can’t sleep there at night, but you can be there from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.” Now they have me going to Applegate and guess what? There are cops that come here almost daily and if any of our stuff is lying around, they throw our belongings in the trash. A few of us attended a Homeless Connect event and about six of us lost everything we owned. One lady’s meds were dumped. Now what does that say? It says that the cops don’t care about our civil rights.
To all the homeless in Merced County, we need to learn and stand up for our rights. This is the only way to stop this crap. I for one will not be run out of Merced. I raised my son here and my grandson is here. I’m not leaving!
It’s going to take all of us homeless to make a stand to fight for our rights.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Oct. 18 ‘No Kings’ Rallies Could Be ‘Largest Protest in US History’

Millions of Americans and people across the world are preparing to take to the streets Oct. 18 for a second No Kings rally.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

More from the People's Tribune