Tent encampments rising all over the country

Latest

pt-2016-10-05_tents
As automated technology throws millions of people out of work, then into homelessness and the streets, we see the rise of tent encampments all over the country, in cities, towns and rural areas. People are turning to this basic and minimal form of shelter, because the government that is supposed to represent them has massively failed to help, and housing under capitalism is not a right. Survival manuals tell you to first seek shelter. Tent communities, besides providing a minimum of shelter and privacy for people, do become communities, where people have each others’ backs and share resources. The powers that be, instead of providing people with housing, can only attack them for seeking shelter this way. City governments and police departments go on the attack, stealing and destroying the tents and other possessions, scattering people back to the streets, doorways and the weather. Nothing could express the bankruptcy of the pay-to-play system louder than this.  The government should be housing the people—starting with the six houses estimated to be vacant in the US for every homeless person—and making it a priority and a fundamental right.  The fight of the homeless for survival and for their rights is in reality a movement to create a government that represents our interests and guarantees everyone’s basic needs in a new society.

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Terror Campaign Threatens Us All

Several recent Facebook reels show how ICE is ramping up its campaign of terror against immigrants, citizens and protestors alike as the effort to create a police state continues and resistance grows. One creator speaks to the significance of Haitians now being targeted.

Medicaid Defenders in Wheelchairs Arrested Ahead of Senate Budget Vote

Over 60 people, including grandmas in wheelchairs, were arrested in the U.S. Senate Rotunda in a nonviolent protest against cuts like Medicaid and the SNAP food program in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget Bill.”

Zohran Mamdani Delivers Stunning Blow to ‘Billionaire-Backed Status Quo’ in NYC

New York City proved that a movement powered by hope, courage, and working class people can beat the money of billionaires.

The American People Want Peace, Not War!

The US's immoral and illegal attack on Iran threatens the whole world with war. The American people have a special responsibility to come out into the streets and rein in the US government, which has become a rogue state.

Juneteenth 2025: ‘We Have to Win this Fight,’ Hannah-Jones Tells Black Graduates

Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones addressed Black graduates at Harvard University, telling them that "we are about to see unleashed upon us an America that we have not had to live in. And we have to win this battle."

More from the People's Tribune