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As our state demonstrates how to respond in the worst possible way, I want to share something I saw when I visited the encampment. Folks at @NHYouthMovement, @RightsNH, @BLMManchesterNH and others are building a powerful alternative... https://twitter.com/WMUR9/status/1329791139914915841
It was clear that many of those organizing had immediate concerns for the residents—their warmth, nourishment, and protecting them from arrest or eviction. But there was also something bigger happening. These actions were building connections with folks that don't often interact.
While I was only there for a short time, I had multiple residents come up to talk to me about how this multi-day interaction felt different. As one resident who has been homeless for two years put it "this wasn't just a protest, it was about getting to know us."
Too often our worlds, our networks, and our communities have rigid boundaries. Most of us don't interact deeply with homeless folks. Our government and charitable organizations don't lend themselves to fostering this kind of connectivity.
The reason that these organizatons have been successful in many ways these last couple days is because of the *sustained* presence and support. That built trust and friendship.
Imagine if instead of spending resources and time plotting an eviction and erecting additional surveillance on the roof of the court house, our gov put up a medical tent, or staffed multiple mental health counselors on site, or funded harm reduction orgs to be present.
All of this would create not only better health outcomes, but would build community *with* those in need.
Our government needs to invest in sustained and trusting relationships. It's hard to imagine because there's no 'end date' as with an eviction, but as any of the folks on the ground will tell you, there is really no other way.
Kudos to so many who committed their time over *days* to foster this community and to activate so many around how we can support all of those in our state @JosiePinto @alirodmur @LindsJakow @mollycbiron (to name a few who I've been following here or helped me get involved)
