The ACLU is bringing a lawsuit on behalf of Feet Forward and others contesting our local “blanket ban.” We know there may be questions, even confusion, about our decision to pursue such legal action, and we believe transparency is key to avoiding confusion.
Feet Forward is built on the foundation of lived experience with homelessness and includes our own experiences with the blanket ban and consequential jailing, fines, discrimination, and overall cruelty experienced for daily acts of survival.
Feet Forward is the only provider offering direct life-enhancing and life-saving resources to our community’s most vulnerable weekly. We have first-hand knowledge and engagement with much experiencing homelessness in the worst weather who have nowhere to go, both during the day or overnight.
Like other providers, we also experience disruption to our mission as our clients are forced to move along continually. This spatial rotation interrupts our continuity of services, particularly in housing.
We do not take issue with our local shelter or other providers.
We recognize that our clients are losing toes, feet, and sometimes their lives because we have inadequate services and shelter space.
We sincerely appreciate the support you have offered since our inception and as we move forward in our mission-driven decision to save the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Sincerely,
Former Executive Director, Feet Forward