In Solidarity with the Hamilton Encampment Support Network
It is beyond comprehension how the compassionate and frankly life saving care work that Hamilton Encampment Support Network provides our houseless neighbours can be met with the level of violence and inconceivable practices that Hamilton Police presented against its members and advocates last week. Policing is violence. Enforcement against encampments is violence. It not only criminalizes a systemic issue perpetuated by this City, but it is a traumatic and cruel practice to enforce against people who have been marginalized and face far too much stigma in our community. The group of Black and mostly queer youth that were arrested last week have been charged with “obstruction of justice,” which just goes to prove how fucked up our “legal” system is. Though we don’t really need “proof.” As many have said, these colonial systems are functioning exactly as they are intended to. We saw it this past summer at Trinity Bellwoods, and it was recently found that the Toronto Police used excessive force against housing advocates there, in a similar situation. Again, we don’t need this proof. Policing is violence.
We are sharing this statement in solidarity with the Black youth that were targeted, brutalized and subsequently criminalized for simply trying to be there for our neighbours. HESN exists because housing is a human right. It exists to try and fill gaps that are so very deep in this City and across this colonial state. We need more caring neighbourhoods, activism and protection of the most vulnerable in our communities, not less. Especially with winter on the horizon, knowing people will die in the cold. We share complete disgust and wholeheartedly support the healing and protection of every HESN member that was harmed so viciously by the Police and this City.
We call on this City to do better. For every single elected politician to do better. As a business that operates in this City, as community members, we know we have a role to play and this statement isn’t enough. A portion of our December sales will be donated to the legal fund to support the 6 Black youth that were criminalized. We will also be organizing a warm supply drive to support encampment residents. Stay tuned for updates on what clothing/supplies are being collected.
