the REFUGE

Dear Friends, Supporters, and the Curious,

Wow, has it been a busy time both for the Refuge and the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, and for Social Justice issues. Many of you have been reading about our updates during the G20, some of you have been following the whole Civil Liberties and Free Speech issues at Baywalk, and of course some have followed the issues around the attempt to get a tent city, run by Catholic Charities and the Local Government, started in Tampa.
All of this, which we have had some involvement in, is happening while we continue to serve the poor, the addicted, the homeless, and troubled youth through our programs and outreaches. And, with the backdrop of many families and individuals coming to us for financial help to avoid utility shut off or evictions. Things do seem out of control at times. But, I also believe that we, potentially, live in very revolutionary times and have some important opportunities. So, my hope is that you consider the times we live in and also look at these opportunities and consider some of thoughts that I will share.
First of all, let me say that the potential for the expansion of the “Police State” is of grave concern. What we saw at the G20 was horrendous and over the top. The Militarized Police and the National Guard were out of control. Unprovoked attacks by the Authorities on Students, Neighborhoods, Journalists, by-standers and nonviolent protesters was uncalled for and over the top. They used teargas, rubber bullets, sound disrupters, shields, and batons. They had armored vehicles and helicopters and high tech surveillance and weaponry. All this for peaceful protesters. For more info. go to www.resistg20.org, www.economichumanrights.org, and www.bailoutpeople.org. You can also go to utube to see the many videos. During this time the Poor People’s Campaign continued it’s mantra of Housing for All, Jobs for All, and Healthcare For All.
Not only has there been a battle against the Corporate Greed Monster at the G20, but locally there has been some very important battles against the Rich and Powerful. Case in point, is of course Baywalk and CW Capital, an 11 billion dollar Corporation, with ties to the multi-billion dollar bailed out Wells Fargo. The Fact, that the City would consider giving away public space to a multi-billion dollar corporation is bad enough. But, to blame the failed business, due to a bad economy and poor management, on protesters, black youth, and the homeless is unbelievable! But, to make matters worse, after voting to not give away public space, it appears that city council may give way to greedy corporate interests and re-vote to give away public space. So much for democracy and the people! Needless to say, if it is given away, we and others will be out there demonstrating, letting our voice be heard, in non-violent civil disobedience, as well as a law suit being filed. Let’s hope and pray that the council comes to it’s senses and doesn’t vacate the sidewalk. Kudos to the Council members that have stuck to their call to uphold the constitution and not giving up public space.
Another controversial issue is the whole city/Catholic Charities sponsored bureaucratic mess called tent city or Pinellas Hope. So many in the community have been duped by this very expensive ( more then 2.1 to 3 million dollars) venture. Why is it that the City and our Mayor push the homeless out of our city? Why is it that ordinances have been passed that criminalize the homeless? Why does it cost so much to put people in tents on donated land with donated food? Where is all the money going? Why can’t the homeless community run it? Why are Police there and allowed to question anyone? Why is it near the county jail and a graveyard? Could this be part of the reason why many did not want it in Tampa? Why is there no real investigation into the lack of success of Pinellas Hope? Why hasn’t there been shelter’s put in St. Pete? What about all the vacant land and property in St. Pete? Could someone answer these questions? This is very important to the Refuge and The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign.
All of the above mentioned things are interconnected. Cause harm to one, cause harm to all. Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to Justice Everywhere”. Isaiah the Prophet warned, “Woe to You who make unjust laws to deprive the Poor of their Rights…..” (Isaiah 10: 1-4). It is time to Rise Up and Fight, to be counted! Not only with protest, but with financial support, especially to those who are hurting, homeless, foreclosed on or about to be. This month is “Zero Evictions” month and it is time for people to stay in their homes and not be foreclosed on, to take over abandoned homes and homestead. It is time to take to the streets and highways and byways!!
Please consider joining us in this struggle and helping us, work alongside and support the hurting. They are us, we are them. If you can help us in this struggle, please consider supporting the Refuge and send checks to help the hurting or go on line to support us. Our address is the Refuge 1818 29th AVe. North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 or go online to www.refugestpete.org. You can also support the Poor People’s campaign by going to www.economichumanrights.org. Please help us we are $3200 short this month. Thanks for your thoughts, gifts, and prayers. God Bless!!! Rev. Bruce